adjective
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: treowe ‘faithful’ 1not falseTRUE based on facts and not imagined or invented OPP false → truly, truthit is true (that)
It’s not true that I’m going to marry him.goNo, honestly, it’s a true story.Students decide if statements are true or false.studentstatementbetrue ofThe same is true of all political parties.bepartytrue forThis is especially true for old people.beIt’s generally true to say that fewer people are needed nowadays.beneedThe results appear to hold true (=still be correct) for other countries.resultcountry → too good to be true at good1(24), → not ring true at ring2(5)2realTRUE [only before noun] the true nature of something is its real nature, which may be hidden or not known SYN realtrue value/cost etc (of something)The house was sold for only a fraction of its true value.besellWe need to understand the true extent of the problem.true nature/meaning/identity etc (of something)She wasn’t aware of the true nature of their relationship.She managed to conceal her true feelings.managefeelingAfter a couple of days she showed her true self (=real character).dayshow3admitting something especially spokenTRUE used when you are admitting that something is correct, but saying that something else, often opposite, is also correct: ‘He’s very hard-working.’ ‘True, but I still don’t think he’s the right man for the job.’workit is true (that)It is true that there have been improvements in some areas.bebeimprovementarea4properREAL/NOT IMAGINARY [only before noun] having all the qualities which a type of thing or person should have: The heroine finally finds true love.findShe’s been a true friend to me.beIt’s an amateur sport in the true sense of the word (=with the exact meaning of this word).5come trueHAPPEN if wishes, dreams etc come true, they happen in the way that someone has said or hoped that they would: The prediction seems to have come true.seem → be a dream come true at dream1(5)6loyalFAITHFUL faithful and loyal to someone, whatever happenstrue toThroughout the whole ordeal, she remained true to her husband.remain7true to form/typeTYPICAL used to say that someone is behaving in the bad way that you expect them to: True to form, Henry turned up late.turn8true to your word/principles etcBEHAVE behaving in the way you said you would or according to principles which you believe in: He was true to his word and said nothing about it to Lisa.besay9true to life/true-to-lifeREAL/NOT IMAGINARY a book, play, description etc that is true to life seems very real and natural SYN realistic: The film is frighteningly true-to-life and very funny.be10(all/only) too trueTRUE used to say that you know something is true, when you do not like it: ‘It’s not as easy as it looks.’ ‘Too true!’lookIt is only too true that people are judged by their accents.bebejudgeaccent11straight/level [not before noun] technicalSTRAIGHT fitted, placed, or formed in a way that is perfectly flat, straight, correct etc: If the door’s not true, it won’t close properly.win12sb’s aim is trueSHOOT if your aim is true, you hit the thing that you were throwing or shooting at13your true colours if you show your true colours, you do something which shows what your real attitudes and qualities are, especially when they are badshow/reveal your true coloursHe was forced to reveal his true colours when asked how he would vote.beforcecolouraskwill14(there’s) many a true word spoken in jest old-fashionedTRUE used to say that when people are joking they sometimes say things that are true and importantCOLLOCATIONSnounsthe true nature of something The prisoners are encouraged to confront the true nature of their crimes.prisonerbeencouragecrimethe true value of something At the time, I did not recognise the true value of my discovery.dothe true cost of something The fixed prescription charge conceals from the general public the true cost of medicines.fixconcealmedicinethe true extent of something Our main difficulty is finding out the true extent of the problem.befindthe true meaning of something The story teaches a lesson about the true meaning of friendship.teachmeansb’s true identity He knew someone would soon discover his true identity.knowwillsb’s true feelings Stephen’s controlled voice disguised his true feelings.controldisguisefeelingsb’s true self (=someone’s real character) He had revealed his true self.haverevealTHESAURUStrue based on real facts, and not imagined or invented: The film was based on a true story.bebase | Do you think the rumours are true?rumourbeaccurate based on facts and not containing any mistakes – used about descriptions, information, and numbers: The measurements are accurate.measurementbe | His assessment of the current economic situation is accurate.beundeniable/indisputable definitely true, so that no one can argue or disagree about it: It is indisputable that the situation has got worse.behavegetill | The decline in inflation was undeniable, even if the reasons for the decline were unclear.bereasonbefactual based on facts, or involving facts: The court makes its decision based on factual evidence.makebase | There is very little factual information about the incident.be | a factual account of what happenedhappen | The questions ask for a purely factual answer, not for opinion.questionverifiable formal able to be proven to be true or correct: The data was verifiable.datumbeit is a fact used when saying that something is definitely true: It is a fact that women live longer than men.bewomanlongmanbe the truth to be true – used when saying that someone is not lying: What I told you was the truth.tellbebe the case if a situation is the case, that is the way the situation truly is: It is certainly the case that crime rates are lower in Europe than in the US.beratebelow
trueadverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriestruetruetrue2 adverbWord family1STRAIGHTin an exact straight line: The arrow flew straight and true to its target.fly2technical if a type of animal breeds true, the young animals are exactly like their parents
truenounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriestruetruestruetrue3 noun out of true British EnglishSTRAIGHTFLAT not completely straight, level, or balanced: The walls are slightly out of true.wallbe
verb (past tense and past participle tied, present participle tying, third person singular ties)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: tigan Verb form1string/rope a)[transitive]FASTEN/DO UP to fasten things together or hold them in a particular position using a piece of string, rope etc OPP untietie something to/behind/onto etc something
Tie this label to your suitcase.tie somebody to somethingThey tied him to a tree and beat him up.tietie something together (with something)I kept all his letters tied together with a ribbon.keeplettertietie sb’s hands/arms/legs/feetOne of them tied her hands behind her back.tiehandI tie my hair back when I’m jogging.jog b)[transitive]FASTEN/DO UP to fasten something around, over etc something else and tie the ends together OPP untietie something around/over/under etc somethingHe had only a towel tied around his waist.havetieShe tied a scarf over her head.tie c)[transitive]TIE to make a knot in a piece of string, rope etc, for example to fasten shoes or other clothes: Can you tie your shoelaces by yourself?shoelacetie a knot/bowShe pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.pulltie d)[intransitive]TIE if a piece of clothing ties in a particular place, you fasten it there using a belt, bow etc: This dress ties at the back.tie2game/competition [intransitive] (also be tied)EQUAL if two players, teams etc tie or are tied in a game or competition, they finish it with an equal number of pointstie withAt the end of the season, we were tied with the Tigers.betietigertie for first/second etc placeWoosnam and Lyle tied for fourth place on 264.tie3be tied to something to be related to something and dependent on it: The flat is tied to the job.betieInterest rates are tied to the rate of inflation.ratebetie4be tied to/by something to be restricted by a particular situation, job etc, so that you cannot do exactly what you want: Many women felt tied to the house.womanfeeltiebe tied to doing somethingI didn’t want to be tied to commuting to London.tiecommuteWith children, you’re tied by school holidays.childtieholiday5tie the knot informalMARRY to get married6tie yourself (up) in knots informalCONFUSED to become very upset because you are confused, nervous, or worried7tie one on American English informalDRUNK to get drunk → sb’s hands are tied at hand1(43)THESAURUSfasten to join together the two sides of a piece of clothing, bag, belt etc: He fastened the necklace behind her neck.fastenattach to fasten something firmly to another object or surface, using screws, nails, tape, glue etc: The boards were attached with screws.boardbeattachscrew | The prisoner was attached to the wall with chains.beattachchainjoin to connect or fasten things together: Join the pieces using a strong gluepieceuseglue to join things together using glue: Glue the fabric to the white card.tape to fasten something using tape: The students' name cards were taped to the table.studentcardbetapestaple to fasten something using staples (=a small piece of wire that is pressed through paper using a special machine): Don't staple your resumé to your cover letter.clip to fasten things together using a clip (=a small metal object): A photo was clipped to the letter.becliptie to fasten a tie, shoelaces etc by making a knot: Don't forget to tie your shoelaces!shoelacedo something up especially British English to fasten a piece of clothing or the buttons etc on it: The teacher doesn't have time to do up every child's coat. | Let me do it up for you.button (up) to fasten a shirt, coat etc with buttons: His shirt was buttoned right to the top.bebuttonzip (up) to fasten a piece of clothing, a bag etc with a zip: Zip up your jacket, it's cold.buckle (up) to fasten a seat belt, belt, shoe etc that has a buckle (=small metal object that fits through a hole in a strap): The little girl struggled to buckle her shoes.struggleshoeunfasten/untie/undo/unbutton/unzip to open something that is fastened: Do not unfasten your seatbelt until the car has stopped completely.havestoptie somebody down phrasal verb PREVENTto restrict someone’s freedom to do what they want to do: She didn’t want to be tied down by a full-time job.tietie somebody down toAre you ready to be tied down to a wife and children?betiechildtie in with something phrasal verb1TIME/AT THE SAME TIMEto be similar to another idea, statement etc, so that they seem to be true SYN match: Her description tied in with that of the other witness.tie2(also be tied in with something) to be related in some way to something else: How does all this tie in with their long-term aims?doaim3TIME/AT THE SAME TIMEto happen at the same time as something else: The book was published to tie in with the TV series.bepublishtie up phrasal verb1person tie somebody ↔ upTIE to tie someone’s arms, legs etc so that they cannot move SYN bind: The intruders tied Kurt up and left him.intrudertieleave2object tie something ↔ upTIE to fasten something together, using string, rope etc: He tied up all the old newspapers.tienewspaper3busy be tied upBUSY/NOT AVAILABLE to be very busy, so that you cannot do anything else: I can’t see you tomorrow – I’ll be tied up all day.tie4traffic/phone/court etc tie something ↔ up especially American English to block a system or use it so much that other people cannot use it or it does not work effectively → tie-up: Don’t tie up the phone lines making personal calls.linemakecallProtesters tied up the traffic for three hours today.protestertiehour5money be tied upMONEY if your money is tied up in something, it is all being used for that thing and is not available for anything elsebe tied up inMy money’s all tied up in the house.tie6arrangements tie something ↔ upFINISH DOING STH to finish arranging all the details of something such as an agreement or a plan SYN finalize: We’d better tie up the details with a solicitor.welldetail7be tied up with somethingCONNECTED WITH to be very closely related to something SYN be linked to: The shortage of teachers is tied up with the issue of pay.teacherbetie8tie up loose endsFINISH DOING STH to do the things that are necessary in order to finish a piece of work: I need to tie up a few loose ends before I go on vacation.end9animal tie something ↔ up to tie an animal to something with a rope, chain etc SYN tethertie something ↔ up toShe left the dog tied up to a tree.leavetie10boat to tie a boat to something with a rope, chain etc SYN moor: We tied up alongside a barge.tietie something ↔ upThere was a boat tied up at the jetty.betie
tienounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestietiestietie2 S3 W3 noun [countable]
1men’s clothes a long narrow piece of cloth tied in a knot around the neck, worn by men: I wear a shirt and tie at work. → black-tie, bow tie2connection/relationshipRELATIONSHIP [usually plural] a strong relationship between people, groups, or countriesclose/strong tiesthe importance of strong family tiestietie between/withclose ties between the two countriestiecountryeconomic/diplomatic/personal etc tiesJapan’s strong economic ties with Taiwantiethe ties of marriage/friendship/love etc → old school tie3result [usually singular] the result of a game, competition, or election when two or more people or teams get the same number of points, votes etc SYN draw British English: The match ended in a tie.end4for closing somethingFASTEN/DO UP a piece of string, wire etc used to fasten or close something such as a bag5game British English one game, especially of football, that is part of a larger competitiontie againstEngland’s World Cup tie against Argentinafirst round/second round etc tiehome/away tie6prevent you from doing somethingPREVENT something that means you must stay in one place, job etc or prevents you from being free to do what you want: If you enjoy travelling, young children can be a tie.travelchild7railway American English a heavy piece of wood or metal supporting a railway track SYN sleeper British EnglishCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + ties close/strong ties He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.havedeveloptiegovernorfamily/blood ties Family ties have been weakened by older people living apart from their children.tiebeweakenoldlivechildpersonal ties Strong personal ties connect her to the area.tieemotional ties He was a loner who failed to develop emotional ties with other people.befailtieeconomic ties Japan and South Korea have close economic ties.tiediplomatic ties the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countriestiecountrysocial ties Besides marriage, other social ties drew people together.tiedrawphrasesties of marriage/friendship/blood etc The ties of friendship that unite the two countries.tiecountryverbsmaintain/develop ties The U.S. is committed to maintaining close ties with Europe.becommitmaintaintieestablish ties Israel established full diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1994.establishtiecut/sever ties He said that he planned to sever his ties with the club.sayplantie
verb
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: tuchier, from Vulgar Latin toccare ‘to knock, hit a bell, touch’; from the sound Verb form1feel [transitive]TOUCH to put your hand, finger etc on someone or something:
She reached out to touch his arm.reachIf your house has been burgled, you shouldn’t touch anything until the police arrive.havebeburgle‘Don’t touch me!’ she yelled.yelltouch somebody on the arm/leg etcA hand touched her on the shoulder.touch2no space between [intransitive and transitive]TOUCH if two things touch, or one thing touches another thing, they reach each other so that there is no space between them: As our glasses touched, he said ‘Cheers!’glasstouchsaycheerHer dress was so long that it was touching the ground.bebetouchgrind3touch something to something literary to move something so that it reaches something else with no space between the two things: She touched the handkerchief to her nose.touchHe touched his lips to her hair.touchlip4affect sb’s feelings [transitive]EFFECT/INFLUENCE to affect someone’s emotions, especially by making them feel sympathy or sadness: Her plight has touched the hearts of people around the world.havetouchheartShe could sense his concern and it touched her.cantouch → touched touch a (raw) nerve at nerve1(6), → touch wood at wood(3)THESAURUStouch to put your fingers or hand onto someone or something for a very short time: Don’t touch the iron – it’s hot!feel to touch something with your fingers in order to find out about it: Feel how soft this material is.be | I felt his forehead. It was cold.feelbehandle to touch something and pick it up and hold it in your hands: Children should always wash their hands before handling food.childshallhandhandle | The glass was very fragile, and she handled it with great care.behandle | Please do not handle the merchandise.finger to touch or handle something with your fingers, especially while you are thinking of other things: She fingered the heavy necklace around her neck.fingerrub to move your hand over a surface while pressing it: Bob rubbed his eyes and yawned.rubeyeyawnscratch to rub part of your body with your nails, often because it itches: The dog kept scratching its ear.keepscratch | Bob scratched his head thoughtfully.scratchtickle to move your fingers lightly over someone’s body in order to make them laugh: The baby giggled as I tickled him.giggleticklegrope to touch someone’s body in a sexual way when they do not want to be touched: The officer was accused of groping several women in his platoon.beaccusegropewomantouch somebody gently or lovinglystroke to move your hand gently over something, especially in a loving way: She stroked the child’s hair.stroke | Our cat won’t let people stroke him.winpat to touch an animal or child lightly several times, with your hand flat: He knelt down to pat the dog.kneel | She patted the little boy’s head.patpet to touch and move your hand gently over someone, especially an animal or child: The goats, pigs, sheep, and cows here allow you to pet them.goatpigcowcaress /kəˈres/ to gently touch a part of someone’s body in a loving way: a mother caressing her childcaress | She caressed his cheek.caressfondle to touch a part of someone’s body in a loving or sexual way – use this especially about touching someone in a sexual way that is not wanted: He tried to fondle her and she immediately pulled away from him.trypulltouch down phrasal verb1ARRIVEwhen an aircraft touches down, it lands on the ground: The plane finally touched down at Heathrow airport around midday.touch2in the sport of rugby, to score by putting the ball on the ground behind the other team’s goal linetouch somebody for something phrasal verb British English informal BORROWto persuade someone to give or lend you something, especially money: He tried to touch me for the taxi fare home.trytouch something ↔ off phrasal verb START STH/MAKE STH STARTto cause a difficult situation or violent events to begin: It was these national rivalries that eventually touched off the First World War.berivalrytouchtouch on/upon something phrasal verb DEAL WITHto mention a particular subject when talking or writing: The report touches on the relationship between poverty and poor health.touchThese issues were touched on in Chapter 2.issuebetouchtouch somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb1IMPROVEto improve something by changing it slightly or adding a little more to it: She quickly touched up her lipstick.touchThe photograph had obviously been touched up.havebetouchThe speech he finally gave had been touched up by his staff.givehavebetouch2British English informal to touch someone in a sexual way when they do not want you to: He was accused of touching up one of his students.beaccusetouchstudent
touchnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestouchtouchestouchtouch2 S2 W2 noun
Word family1touching somebody/something [countable usually singular]TOUCH the action of putting your hand, finger, or another part of your body on something or someone: She felt a gentle touch on her shoulder.feeltouch ofHe remembered the touch of her fingers on his face.rememberfinger2ability to feel things [uncountable]TOUCH the sense that you use to discover what something feels like, by putting your hand or fingers on it: the sense of touchby touchVisually impaired people orient themselves by touch.impairBake the cake for 30 minutes until risen and firm to the touch.minuterise3in touch (with somebody) talking or writing to someone: We’ll get in touch (=start talking or writing to you) as soon as we know the results of the test.resultCan I have your phone number in case I need to get in touch with you?numbBye. I’ll be in touch.Are you still in touch with John (=are you talking to him regularly)?beI’m in close touch with Anna.stay/keep in touch (=keep writing or talking, even though you do not see each other often)Anyway, we must stay in touch.I met him when I worked in Madrid, and I’ve kept in touch with him ever since.meetworkkeepI lost touch with (=stopped writing or talking to) Julie after we moved.losemoveI can put you in touch with a local photography club (=give you their address or phone number so you can talk to them).4be/keep/stay etc in touch (with something) to have the latest information or knowledge about something: A regular newsletter keeps people in touch with local events.keepeventThe speech was good and you felt he was in touch with people’s needs.befeelbeneedRescuers were kept in touch through radio links.rescuerbekeeplinkA head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns.needteacherconcern5be out of touch a)(also lose touch (with something)) to not have the latest knowledge about a subject, situation, or the way people feelbe out of touch withI’m out of touch with modern medicine.The party cannot afford to lose touch with political reality. b)to not know much about modern life: Judges are often accused of being out of touch.judgebeaccusebe6get in touch with something especially American English to realize and understand something such as your feelings and attitudes: The first stage is to get in touch with your perceptions and accept responsibility for your relationships.beperceptionrelationship7detail/addition [countable]DETAIL a small detail that improves or completes somethingput the final/finishing touches to somethingEmma was putting the finishing touches to the cake.beputfinishtouchThere was a vase of flowers in the room, which was a nice touch.beflowerbeBrass pans added a decorative touch to the plain brick wall.panadd8way of doing something [countable]WAY/MANNER a particular way of doing something, or the ability to do it in a particular way: The room was decorated with a very artistic touch.bedecorateOur staff combine efficient service with a personal touch (=they do things in a friendly way).The feminine touch was evident throughout the house.beHis sure touch (=confident way of doing things) and attention to detail are just as evident now.beBarbara has a magic touch in the garden (=she grows things very well).haveKing obviously hasn’t lost his touch (=lost his ability) – his latest book sold in the millions.loselatesell9a touch of somethingLITTLE/NOT MUCH a small amount of something: Our furniture is guaranteed to add a touch of class to your bedroom.beguaranteeAdd a lace top for a touch of glamour.‘What?’ asked Hazel, with a touch of irritation.ask10a touch disappointed/faster/impatient etcLITTLE/NOT VERY slightly disappointed, faster etc: He sounded a touch upset when I spoke to him on the phone.soundspeak11with/at the touch of a button/key used to emphasize that something can be done very easily by pressing a button: This card allows you to access your money at the touch of a button.allowYou can get all the latest information with the touch of a button.late12a soft/easy touch informal if someone is a soft or an easy touch, you can easily persuade them to do what you want, especially give you money13way something feels [countable usually singular] the way that something feels and the effect it has on your skin: the warm touch of his lipslip14soccer/rugby [uncountable] the area outside the lines that mark the playing areainto touchThe ball rolled into touch.roll → common touch at common1(13), → a/the human touch at human1(5), → kick something into touch at kick1(11), → lose your touch at lose(1), → magic touch at magic2(5), → Midas touch, → a soft touch at soft(17)
modal verb (negative short form won’t)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: wille, from wyllan ‘to wish for, want, intend to’ 1WILLfuture used to make future tenses:
A meeting will be held next Tuesday at 3 p.m.meetholdWhat time will she arrive?I hope they won’t be late.winMaybe by then you will have changed your mind.change2WILLINGwilling to do something used to show that someone is willing or ready to do something: Dr Weir will see you now.The baby won’t eat anything.win3ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STHrequesting spoken used to ask someone to do something: Will you phone me later?lateShut the door, will you?4USUALLYwhat generally happens used to say what always happens in a particular situation or what is generally true: Oil will float on water.Accidents will happen.accident5POSSIBLEpossibility used like ‘can’ to show what is possible: This car will hold five people comfortably.6THINK SO/NOT BE SUREbelief used to say that you think something is true: That will be Tim coming home now.comeAs you will have noticed, there are some gaps in the data.noticebegapdatum7TELL/ORDER SB TO DO STHgiving orders spoken used to give an order or to state a rule: Will you be quiet!You will do as I say.Every employee will carry an identity card at all times.time8OFFERoffering/inviting spoken used to offer something to someone or to invite them to do something: Will you have some more tea?Won’t you have a seat?win9OFTENannoying habit spoken used to describe someone’s habits, especially when you think they are annoying: Trish will keep asking damn silly questions.askquestionGrammarWhen you are reporting what someone said, thought etc, will usually changes to would: My brother said he would help me.saywillIf the event is still in the future, will is sometimes used, especially after a present perfect tense: The Minister has said that he will publish the report soon.havesay
willnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswillwillswillwill2 S2 W2 noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: willa ‘will, desire’ 1determination [uncountable and countable]DETERMINED determination to do something that you have decided to do, even if this is difficult:
Children sometimes have strong wills.childwillthe will to do somethingEven though she was in terrible pain, Mary never lost the will to live.belose → strong-willed, weak-willed2legal document [countable] a legal document that says who you want your money and property to be given to after you die: Have you made a will yet?makein sb’s willMy grandfather left me some money in his will.leavethe senator’s last will and testament3what somebody wants [singular]WANT what someone wants to happen in a particular situation: He accused her of trying to impose her will on others.accusetryagainst your willCollier claims the police forced him to sign a confession against his will.claimforcewill ofthe will of the peopleobedience to God’s will → free will4with the best will in the world British English spokenIMPOSSIBLE used to say that something is not possible, even if you very much want to do it: With the best will in the world, I don’t see what more I can do.well5where there’s a will there’s a way spokenPOSSIBLE used to say that if you really want to do something, you will find a way to succeed6at willWANT whenever you want and in whatever way you want: He can’t just fire people at will, can he?7DETERMINEDwith a will written in an eager and determined way → goodwill, ill willCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesa strong will She had a very strong will and a clear sense of purpose.havean indomitable will (=a strong will which means you do not give in) The indomitable will of the people remains the core strength of democracy.remaina weak will It's a myth that people are fat because of a weak will.bean iron will (also a will of iron) (=an extremely strong will) Her unassuming manner concealed an iron will.concealpolitical will (=determination on the part of governments and politicians) There was a lack of political will to do anything about global warming.bewarmphrasesstrength of will She had achieved success by sheer strength of will.haveachievean effort of will (=a determined effort to do something you do not want to do) With a great effort of will, she resisted the temptation to look at the letter.resista battle/clash/test of wills (=when two determined people oppose each other) Even the smallest decision could become an exhausting battle of wills.smallcanexhaustwillverbshave the will to do something (=be determined enough to do it) Do you have the will to win?lack the will to do something He lacked the will to resist.lacklose the will to do something The country's troops had lost the will to fight.troophaveloseCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsmake a will (=write one) It is always advisable to make a will.beleave a will (=have made a will when you die) Who will inherit my property if I don't leave a will?change your will (=change some of the instructions in your will) Marius had decided to change his will in her favour.havedecidecut somebody out of your will (=change your will so that someone is no longer given anything when you die) His father cut her out of his will.prove a will law (=to show that a will has been made in the correct way) If the estate is small, you may not need to prove the will.bephrasessomebody's last will and testament formal (=somebody's will)the executor of a will (=the person who makes sure that the instructions in someone's will are followed) Her eldest son is the executor of her will.oldbe
willverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswillwouldwillswilledwillingwillwill3 verbSense 1:Language: Old English
Origin: willian, from willa; → WILL2Sense 2:
Language: Old English
Origin: wyllan; → WILL1 Verb form1[transitive]CAUSE to try to make something happen by thinking about it very hardwill somebody to do something
She was willing herself not to cry.bewill2[transitive + to]GIVE to officially give something that you own to someone else after you die3[intransitive and transitive] old useWANT to want something to happen: The King wills it.will
noun
Word family1problems [uncountable] (also troubles [plural])PROBLEM problems or difficultiestrouble withWe’re having a lot of trouble with the new computer system.haveRecent stock market losses point to trouble ahead.loss2bad point [singular]PROBLEM used when saying what is bad about a person or situation or what causes problems: The trouble with you is that you don’t listen.beThe trouble is there are too many people and not enough places.bebeplaceBut no one ever remembers – that’s the trouble.rememberYou never think, that’s your trouble.3bad situation in/into/out of trouble a)DANGEROUSPROBLEMif someone or something is in trouble, they are in a situation with a lot of problems: He admitted that their marriage was in trouble.admitbeget/run into troubleThe company ran into trouble when it tried to expand too quickly.runtryin serious/deep troubleThe economy was in serious trouble.bethe dangers of trying to borrow your way out of troubledangertry b)if someone is in trouble, they have done something which someone will punish them for or be angry aboutin deep/big troubleWe’ll be in big trouble if Mr Elliott finds out.findin trouble with somebodyI think I’m in trouble with Dad.I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to get into trouble.keep/stay out of troubleI hope Tim stays out of trouble this year.stay4fighting [uncountable] fighting, violence, or violent behaviour: If the kids start to cause trouble, ask them to move on.kidA handful of people came looking for trouble.comelookIf you start any trouble, you’ll regret it.There was crowd trouble before the match.be5worries [uncountable] (also troubles [plural]) problems in your life which you are worried about: He poured out all his troubles to me (=told me all about his problems).pourtrouble6effort [uncountable]TRY TO DO OR GET STH an amount of effort and time that is needed to do somethingtake the trouble to do something (=make a special effort to do something)The teacher took the trouble to learn all our names on the first day.takenameThey’ve obviously gone to a lot of trouble to arrange everything.gosave somebody the trouble (of doing something)If you’d asked me first, I could have saved you the trouble.askcansaveI find that making my own clothes is more trouble than it’s worth (=takes too much time and effort).makeclothebe7no trouble used to say politely that you are happy to do something for someone: ‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ ‘It’s no trouble.’beThe kids were no trouble (=used to say you were happy to look after them because they were well-behaved).kidbe8health [uncountable]ILLNESS/DISEASE a problem that you have with your health: He has trouble with his breathing.havebreatheheart/stomach/skin etc troubleHe suffers from back trouble.suffer9machine/system [uncountable]PROBLEM when something is wrong with a machine, vehicle, or system: engine troubletrouble withHe had to retire from the race because of trouble with the gearbox.haveGrammarTrouble is usually an uncountable noun. Never say 'a trouble': Are you having trouble (NOT a trouble) with your car?behaveCOLLOCATIONSverbshave trouble He is having trouble getting his message across to the voters.behavegetvoterhave no trouble We had no trouble finding her house.havefindcause trouble I hope the delay hasn’t caused you any trouble.causethere is trouble There was some trouble at her office, but she didn’t say what it was.bebemean/spell trouble (=mean there will be trouble) They are now much more competitive, which can only spell trouble for their rivals.berivalbe asking for trouble (=be silly or dangerous) It 's asking for trouble to wear high-heeled shoes on a long walk.askheelshoeavoid trouble We avoid trouble by planning carefully.planadjectivesbig/great trouble High interest rates spell big trouble for homeowners.ratehomeownerterrible trouble I’ve been having terrible trouble sleeping.behavesleependless trouble (=a lot of trouble) They had endless trouble with the water supply.haveserious trouble I was having serious trouble knowing where to begin.behaveknowteething troubles British English (=small problems that you have when you first start doing a new job or using a new system ) There were a lot of teething troubles in the first year.beteethetroublephraseswhat the trouble is A couple of nurses rushed into the room to see what the trouble was.nurserushbewithout any/much trouble (=easily) The work was carried out without any trouble.becarry
troubleverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestroubletroublestroubledtroublingtroubletrouble2 verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: troubler, from Vulgar Latin turbulare, from Latin turbidus; → TURBID Verb form1worryWORRIED if a problem troubles you, it makes you feel worried or upset:
There is one thing that’s been troubling me.bebetroubleThey have been deeply troubled by the allegations.betroubleallegationHis conscience troubled him.trouble2inconvenience formalASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to say something or ask someone to do something which may use or waste their time or upset them SYN bother: I promise not to trouble you again.trouble somebody with somethingI don’t want to trouble the doctor with it.I won’t trouble you with the details.windetail3may I trouble you?/sorry to trouble you spoken formalASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH used when politely asking someone to do something for you or give you something: Sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me the way to the station, please?canMay I trouble you for the salt?4don’t trouble yourself spoken used to politely tell someone not to help you: Please don’t trouble yourself. I can manage.5not trouble to do somethingNOT DO STH to not do something because it needs too much effort: They never troubled to ask me what I would like.troublewillLuke didn’t trouble to hide his disgust.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say not bother to do something rather than not trouble to do something:They didn’t bother to ask me what I thought.think6health problemHURT/CAUSE PAIN if a medical problem troubles you, it causes you pain or problems: He is still being troubled by an ankle injury.bebetrouble7cause problems to cause someone problems or difficulties: They look good enough to trouble most teams in the competition.team
noun [countable]
1bird/insect a)one of the parts of a bird’s or insect’s body that it uses for flying: a butterfly with beautiful markings on its wingsmarkingwingThe pheasant flapped its wings vigorously.flapwing b)the meat on the wing bone of a chicken, duck etc, eaten as food: spicy chicken wingswing2
plane one of the large flat parts that stick out from the side of a plane and help to keep it in the air3building one of the parts of a large building, especially one that sticks out from the main partnorth/east etc wingthe east wing of the palaceShe works in the hospital’s maternity wing.work4politicsPART a group of people within a political party or other organization who have a particular opinion or aim: the moderate wing of the Republican Party → left-wing, right-wing5sport a)a winger b)the far left or right part of a sports field6car British English the part of a car that is above a wheel SYN fender American English7take somebody under your wingPROTECT to help and protect someone who is younger or less experienced than you are8(waiting/lurking) in the wingsREADY ready to do something or be used when the time is right: Several junior managers are waiting in the wings for promotion.managerbewaitwing9theatre the wings [plural] the parts at each side of a stage where actors are hidden from people who are watching the play10on a wing and a prayer if you do something on a wing and a prayer, you do not have much chance of succeeding11be on the wing literaryTRAVEL if a bird is on the wing, it is flying12take wing literaryTRAVEL to fly away13get your wings to pass the examinations you need to become a pilot → clip sb’s wings at clip2(6), → spread your wings at spread1(10)COLLOCATIONSverbsflap its wings (=move them) The ducks woke up and flapped their wings.duckwakeflapwingbeat its wings (=move them in a regular way while flying) The female beats her wings as fast as 500 times a second.beatwingtimeflutter its wings (=move them quickly) I heard some birds fluttering their wings outside the window.hearbirdflutterwingspread/open its wings The dragon spread its wings and gave an experimental flap.winggivestretch its wings (=open them completely) The cage was so small the birds could not even stretch their wings.bebirdcanwingfold its wings Gannets fold their wings and plummet like an arrow into the sea to catch their prey.gannetwingwings flap Dusky wings flapped overhead.wingflapwings beat Their great wings beat slowly.wingadjectivesoutstretched The eagle descended on outstretched wings.descendwing
wingverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswingwingswingedwingingwingwing2 verbVerb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] literaryTRAVEL to fly somewhere: a flock of geese winging down the coastgoosewingwing its/their way to/across etc somethingplanes winging their way to exotic destinationsplanewingdestination2wing its/their way to go or be sent somewhere very quicklywing its/their way toA bottle of champagne will soon be winging its way to 10 lucky winners.wingwinner3wing it spokenPLAN to do something without planning or preparing it: We’ll just have to wing it.
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wiht 1amount somebody/something weighs [uncountable and countable]HEAVY how heavy something is when you measure it:
The average weight of a baby at birth is just over seven pounds.bepoundin weightfish that are over two kilos in weightbekiloby weightFruit and vegetables are sold by weight.vegetablebesell2how fat [uncountable]FAT how heavy and fat someone is: You shouldn’t worry about your weight. → overweight, underweight3heaviness [uncountable]HEAVY the fact that something is heavy: The weight of her boots made it hard for Sue to run.bootmakeI didn’t know if the bridge would support our weight.willunder the weight of somethingKaren staggered along under the weight of her backpack.stagger4heavy thing [countable]HEAVY something that is heavy: I can’t lift heavy weights because of my bad back.weight5worry [singular]RESPONSIBLE something that causes you a lot of worry because you have to deal with itweight ofShe felt a great weight of responsibility.feelfamilies who are crumbling under the weight of increasing debtfamilybecrumbleincreaseSelling the house is a weight off my mind (=something that no longer causes a lot of worry).sellbe6importance [uncountable]IMPORTANT if something has weight, it is important and influences people: She knew that her opinion carried very little weight.knowcarrygive/add weight to somethingThis scandal adds more weight to their arguments.addargument7amount weight of something a large amount of something: The weight of evidence is that unemployment leads to all sorts of health problems.beleadsortproblemThe weight of public opinion is behind the teachers.beteacherThey won the battle by sheer weight of numbers (=very large numbers of people).winnumber8for measuring quantities [countable] a piece of metal that weighs an exact amount and is balanced against something else to measure how much the other thing weighs9
for sport [countable] a piece of metal that weighs an exact amount and is lifted by people as a sport: I’ve been lifting weights since I was 18.beliftweightbe → weightlifting10throw your weight about/around informalTELL/ORDER SB TO DO STH to use your position of authority to tell people what to do in an unpleasant and unreasonable way11throw your weight behind somebody/somethingSUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLAN to use all your power and influence to support someone or something: The US has thrown its weight behind the new leader.havethrow12pull your weightWORK HARD to do your full share of work: He accused me of not pulling my weight.accusepull13take the weight off your feet informalSIT used to tell someone to sit down: Come in, take the weight off your feet.foot → dead weightCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsput on weight (also gain weight formal) He had put on weight since she last saw him.haveseelose/shed weight She lost a lot of weight when she was ill.losebewatch your weight (=try not to get fatter, by eating the correct foods) He has to watch his weight because he has a heart condition.havehaveget/keep your weight down (=become thinner or stay thin) How can I keep my weight down?get/keep the weight off (=become or stay thinner) I changed my eating habits so I'd keep the weight off.changeeathabitweight + NOUNa weight problem (=a tendency to be too fat) I've always had a weight problem.haveweight gain The medication can cause rapid weight gain.weight loss After the first month, weight loss slows down.slowadjectivessomebody's ideal weight (=what someone should weigh, according to their height and body type) She weighs about 10lbs more than her ideal weight.weighsomebody's target weight (=the weight someone is trying to be) I've reached my target weight.reachexcess weight (=the pounds that make you heavier than you should be) You'll feel better if you lose the excess weight.wellCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'lose your weight'. Say lose weight. Do not use 'weight' as a verb, for example by saying 'I weight 55 kilos'. Say I weigh 55 kilos.
weightverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesweightweightsweightedweightingweightweight2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1HEAVY (also weight down) to fix a heavy object to something in order to keep it in placeweight something (down) with somethingThe fishing nets are weighted down with lead.fishnetbeweight2to change something slightly so that you give more importance to particular ideas or peopleweight something in favour of somebody/somethinga temptation to weight the report in favour of the option you want
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: vindauga, from vindr ‘wind’ + auga ‘eye’
1 a space or an area of glass in the wall of a building or vehicle that lets in lightopen/close/shut a windowDo you mind if I open the window?out of/from/through the windowShe looked out of the window to see if it was raining.lookberainThe sun was shining through the windows.beshinewindowin the window (=just inside a window)We were looking at the Christmas displays in the shop windows.belookdisplaywindowbedroom/kitchen etc window → bay window, dormer window, french windows, picture window, sash window2one of the separate areas on a computer screen where different programs are operating3TIME/RIGHT OR WRONG TIME (also window of opportunity) a short period of time that is available for a particular activity: Delay might open a window of opportunity for their rivals.rival4an area on an envelope with clear plastic in it which lets you see the address written on the letter inside the envelope5a window on/to the world something that makes it possible to see and learn about what is happening in other parts of the world: Television provides us with a useful window on the world.provide6go out (of) the window informalDISAPPEAR to disappear completely or no longer have any effect: One glass of wine, and all my good intentions went out the window.intentiongoCOLLOCATIONSverbsopen a window I opened the window and breathed in the fresh air.openbreatheclose/shut a window She shut the window firmly.roll up/down a window (=open or shut the window in a car) Lucy rolled the window down and waved to him.rollwavelook/gaze/stare out of the window Mom stared out of the window at the road.stareADJECTIVES/NOUN + window open A breeze from the open window lifted her hair.liftclosed/shut All the windows were closed.windowbeclosea front window I don't want people looking in my front window.looka back window The burglar had got in through one of the back windows.havegetwindowthe rear window (=the back window, especially of a car) The car's rear window had been bashed in.havebebasha shop/store window She looked in shop windows.lookwindowsomebody's bedroom/office window From his bedroom window he could see two men having an argument.canmanhavethe kitchen/car etc window She had left the kitchen window open.haveleavea stained glass window (=made of pieces of coloured glass) The church has fine medieval stained glass windows.havestainwindowwindow + NOUNthe window frame The window frame was rotten.be
noun [countable]
Date: 1500-1600Origin: Early French etiquet ‘notice attached to something’, from Old French estiquier ‘to attach’, from Middle Dutch steken ‘to stick’ 1cinema/bus/train etc a printed piece of paper which shows that you have paid to enter a cinema, travel on a bus, plane etcticket for
How much are tickets for the concert?beticketticket toI’d like two tickets to Berlin.ticketa ticket to do somethinga ticket to watch the US Open → season ticket2for a prize a printed piece of paper with a number on it that you buy because you will get a prize if that number is chosenraffle/lottery ticket3driving offence a printed note ordering you to pay money because you have done something illegal while driving or parking your carparking/speeding ticket4in shops a piece of paper fastened to something in a shop that shows its price, size etc SYN tag American English: How much does it say on the price ticket?do5election [usually singular] especially American English a list of the people supported by a particular political party in an election: He ran for governor on the Republican ticket.run6ticket to success/fame/stardom etc especially American EnglishSUCCESSFUL a way of becoming successful, famous etc: Michael thought an MBA would be a ticket to success.thinkwill7be (just) the ticket old-fashionedGOOD/EXCELLENT to be exactly what is needed → dream ticket, meal ticketCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + ticketa train/bus/coach ticket I’ve lost my train ticket.losean airline/plane/air ticket You can pick up your airline tickets at the check-in desk.ticketa theatre/concert ticket The special rate includes theatre tickets and transport from the hotel to the theatre.includeticketa one-way ticket (also a single ticket British English) (=a ticket to a place but not back again) I bought a one-way ticket to London.buya return ticket British English, a round-trip ticket American English (=a ticket to a place and back) How much is a round trip ticket to Boston?bea season ticket (=one that allows you to make a journey or go to a sports stadium, theatre etc as often as you like during a fixed time period) He has a season ticket for Manchester United.haveunitea valid ticket (=one that is legally or officially acceptable) You cannot travel without a valid ticket.verbsbook/reserve a ticket We booked our tickets well in advance.bookticketbuy a ticket Sheila bought a ticket for the next flight home.buyticket + NOUNa ticket office/booth/counter (=a place where you can buy tickets) There was a long queue at the ticket office.bea ticket machine The ticket machine wasn’t issuing tickets.issueticketthe ticket barrier British English (=a gate or other barrier at a station that you need a ticket to get through) John insisted on carrying my case as far as the ticket barrier.insistcarrya ticket agency (=a company that sells tickets for concerts, sporting events, etc) Book your tickets online from one of the many ticket agencies.ticketagencyTHESAURUStypes of travel ticketssingle (ticket)/one-way ticket a ticket that lets you go to a place but not back again: A single to Edinburgh, please. | He bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles.buyreturn (ticket) British English, round-trip ticket American English a ticket that lets you go to a place and back again: A return to London, please.season ticket a ticket that lets you make the same journey every day for a fixed period of time: My company pays for my season ticket.paye-ticket a ticket that you buy over the Internet, in which you are given a number which you use when you check in at an airport: All you have to do is print off the e-ticket and show it at the check-in desk.be
ticketverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesticketticketsticketedticketingticketticket2 verb [transitive usually passive]Verb form1to produce and sell tickets for an event, journey etc: air travel sold and ticketed in the UKsellticketticketed events such as concertsticketeventconcert2especially American English to give someone a ticket for parking their car in the wrong place, driving too fast etc: Drivers stopping here will be ticketed and have their cars towed.driverstopticketcartow3be ticketed for somethingINTEND especially American English to be intended for a particular use, purpose, job etc: Three of the army bases have been ticketed for closure.basisbeticket
pronounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: hwam the object form of ‘who’, used especially in formal speech or writing:
Desperate for money, she called her sister, whom she hadn’t spoken to in 20 years.callspeakyearShe brought with her three friends, none of whom I had ever met before.bringfriendhavemeetRegisterIn everyday spoken or written English, people usually use who rather than whom: Who did you send it to?doWhom is usually used only in the phrases one of whom, none of whom, some of whom etc.
adjectiveWord family1PROBABLY#not likely to happen: Donna might be able to come tomorrow, but it’s very unlikely.unlikely to do somethingThe weather is unlikely to improve over the next few days.bedayit is unlikely (that)It’s unlikely that the thieves will be caught.thievecatchin the unlikely event of something (=if something which is unlikely happens)In the unlikely event of a fire, passengers should move to the top deck.passengershall2RELATIONSHIPan unlikely place, person, or thing is strange and not what you would expect: The birds had nested in some unlikely places.birdhavenestplaceThe quiet village of Brockhampton was an unlikely setting for such a crime.beset3BELIEVE#not likely to be true: an unlikely storyCOLLOCATIONSadverbshighly/most/very unlikely It’s highly unlikely that he’ll survive.extremely unlikely The government is extremely unlikely to change its policy.berather/pretty/quite/fairly unlikely I may have thrown it away by mistake, but that’s pretty unlikely.throwincreasingly unlikely (=more and more unlikely as time passes) It looks increasingly unlikely that the Bank of England will cut interest rates.lookratenounsan unlikely possibility/prospect The most unlikely possibility was that she might resign.bean unlikely scenario/occurrence They should build a new road, but that’s an unlikely scenario.shallan unlikely alliance/coalition Once he resigned as president, the unlikely coalition of former enemies fell apart.resignenemyfallphrasesin the unlikely event of something (=if something which is unlikely happens) In the unlikely event of an accident, the system will automatically shut down.
adjective (comparative tougher, superlative toughest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: toh 1difficultDIFFICULT difficult to do or deal with:
It was a tough race.beShe’s had a tough life.haveThe company admitted that it had been a tough year.admithavebeTough decisions will have to be made.decisionmakeThe reporters were asking a lot of tough questions.reporterbeaskquestionhave a tough time (of it) (=face a lot of difficult problems)The family has had a tough time of it these last few months.havehavemonthit’s tough doing somethingIt’s tough being married to a cop.bemarrybe tough on somebody (=cause problems for someone or make their life difficult)Having to stay indoors all day is tough on a kid.havebeIt was a tough call (=a difficult decision), but we had to cancel the game because of the weather.behaveI find his books pretty tough going (=difficult to read).bookgoGage predicted the president’s proposal would be a tough sell (=something that is difficult to persuade someone about) before Congress. American Englishpredictwillwhen the going gets tough (the tough get going) informal (=used to say that when a situation becomes difficult, strong people take the necessary action to deal with it)2strong personSTRONG PERSON physically or emotionally strong and able to deal with difficult situations: The men who work on the oil rigs are a tough bunch.manrigbetough cookie/customer informal (=someone who is very determined to do what they want and not what other people want)as tough as nails/as tough as old boots (=very tough)He’s as tough as nails – a good man to have on the team.nail3strong materialSTRONG OBJECT not easily broken or made weaker: tough, durable plastica very tough, hard-wearing clothwear4strict/firmDETERMINEDSTRICT very strict or firmtough on/withMy mother was very tough on my sister.beIt’s time to get tough with drunk drivers.drinkdriverThe EU is taking a tough line with the UK over this issue.betake5violent areaVIOLENT a tough part of a town has a lot of crime or violencetough neighborhood/area/part of town etca tough area of Chicago6tough!/that’s tough! spokenDON'T CARE used when you do not have any sympathy with someone: ‘I’m getting wet.’ ‘Tough! You should’ve brought your umbrella.’getshallbringShe didn’t tell us she was coming, so if this screws up her plans that’s just tough.becomescrewplan7tough luck! spoken a)DON'T CAREused when you do not have any sympathy for someone’s problems: Well, that’s just their tough luck! It was their mistake.be b)British EnglishSYMPATHIZE used when you feel sympathy about something bad that has happened to someone: You didn’t get the job? Oh, tough luck!8tough shit! spoken not polite used when you do not have any sympathy for someone’s problems9violent personVIOLENT likely to behave violently and having no gentle qualities: one of football’s most notorious tough guysguytough young thugs looking for troublethuglook10foodHARD difficult to cut or eat OPP tender: The meat was tough and hard to chew.bethe tough outer leaves of the cabbageleave11tough love a way of helping someone to change their behaviour by treating them in a kind but strict way—toughlytoughly adverb—toughnesstoughnessestoughness noun [uncountable]
toughverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriestoughtoughstoughedtoughingtoughtough2 verbVerb formtough something ↔ out phrasal verb to deal with a difficult situation by being determined, rather than leaving or changing your decision: She told herself to be brave and tough it out.tell
toughnounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestoughtoughstoughtough3 noun [countable] old-fashionedVIOLENT someone who often behaves in a violent way
toughadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplestoughtoughtough4 adverbWord family in a way that shows you are very determined: Washington played tough in the second half of the game.playYou’re talking tough now but you wait until you get into the interview.talk
nounWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: typus ‘image’, from Greek typos ‘act of hitting, mark made by hitting, model’, from typtein ‘to hit’ 1[countable]TYPE one member of a group of people or things that have similar features or qualitiesof this/that/each etc type
I’ve already seen a few movies of this type.seemovietype ofWhat type of music do you like?There are two main types of sleep.betypeGrammartype, kind, sortType, kind, and sort are countable nouns, and they should be plural after plural determiners: Many sorts of jobs (NOT Many sort of jobs) require computing skills.sortjobjobcomputeskillUse a singular or uncountable noun with no determiner after type/kind/sort of: children who attend the same type of schoolchildThis sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable.beUse a singular, plural, or uncountable noun with no determiner after types/kinds/sorts of: How common are these types of illness OR illnesses?betypeillness ► In informal speech, people sometimes use these/those type of before a plural noun, but do not use this in writing.2[singular] a person who has, or seems to have, a particular character: Jo’s not really the sporty type.Beth is not the type to make a fuss.be3be sb’s type especially spokenSEXY to be the kind of person someone is sexually attracted to: He wasn’t my type really.4[uncountable] printed letters: italic type5[uncountable and countable] a small block with a raised letter on it that is used to print with, or a set of theseCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + typethis/that type He is not suited to this type of work.besuita particular type Have you flown this particular type of aircraft before?flythe same type The use the same type of axe as a tool and a weapon.a different type I’ve learned to work with different types of people.learntypea new type These architects felt the time had come for a new type of public building.architectfeelhavebuildthe main type Methane is the main type of gas produced.beproduceskin/hair type The best cleanser for you depends on your skin type.welldependblood type American English (=one of the classes into which human blood can be separated) Mother and child had the same blood type.havepersonality type (=with a particular type of character) Find out your personality type by answering our simple questionnaire.answersoil type (=for example, sandy soil or clay soil) The plant thrives in a wide range of soil types.thrivetypeTHESAURUStype/kind/sort one member of a group of people or things that have similar features or qualities. Type is the usual word to use in scientific or technical contexts. In everyday English, people usually use kind or sort: What type of fish is this?be | There are two main personality types.betypekind a type of person or thing. Kind is less formal than type, and is used especially in everyday English: What kind of food do you like? | There were all kinds of people there.bekind | The study is the first of its kind in Ireland.besort especially British English a type of person or thing. Sort is less formal than type, and is used especially in everyday British English: What sort of person is she?be | I like all sorts of music.sortform one type of something from all the ones that are possible – used especially when things have different physical characteristics, or in certain fixed phrases: There are many forms of heart disease.beform | Melanoma is a form of skin cancer.be | The first primitive life forms consumed various materials, including hydrogen sulfide, and released oxygen.formconsumematerialincluderelease | In those days, horses were the commonest form of transport.dayhorsebecommon | We need to use alternative forms of energy.form | a popular form of entertainmentvariety a type that is slightly different from others in the same group: The French make many varieties of cheese.variety | This is a new variety of apple.bespecies a type of plant or animal, which can breed together to produce plants or animals of the same type: These forests contain many species of trees.foresttree | The giant panda is an endangered species.beendangerof a ... nature formal used when talking about a particular type of thing: Many people find it embarrassing to discuss problems of a sexual nature.embarrassproblem | Minor incidents of this nature normally occur about once a month.incidentcategory a group of people or things that are all of the same type – used when there is a clear system for deciding which group something belongs to: The three major categories of rock are: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.categorybe | She won the best actress category at the Oscars.winwellbrand used when talking about the particular way that someone does something or thinks about something, when this is very different from that of other people: She has her own special brand of humour.have | He has called for a more positive brand of politics.havecallgenre formal a type of art, music, literature etc. that has a particular style or feature: He has written novels in several genres, most notably science fiction.havewritenovelgenrea type of productbrand the name of a type of product made by a company, especially one that you use every day such as food or cleaning products: a survey to find out which brand of toothpaste people prefer | advertising for a well-known brand of cigarettesadvertiseknowcigarettemake a type of product made by a particular company – used especially about things such as machines, equipment, or cars: 'What make of car do you drive?' 'A Ford.'model one particular type or design of a vehicle, machine etc: The new models are much faster.modelbefast
typeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestypetypestypedtypingtypetype2 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]WRITE to write something using a computer or a typewriter: He types with two fingers.typefingerType your password, then press ‘Return’.type something up (=type a copy of something written by hand, in note form, or recorded)I went home to type up the report.gotype something in (=write information on a computer)Please wait while I type in your details.detail2[transitive] technicalFIND OUT to find out what group something such as blood, cells, or a disease belong to: DNA typingtype
verb [transitive]Date: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: urgere Verb form1ADVISEto strongly suggest that someone does somethingurge somebody to do something
I got a note from Moira urging me to get in touch.geturgeurge thatHe urged that a referendum should be held by December.urgeshallholdurge something on/upon somebodyI have urged upon him the need for extreme secrecy.urgeThe charity urged quick action.urge2[always + adverb/preposition] formalTELL/ORDER SB TO DO STH to make someone or something move by shouting, pushing them etcurge somebody/something forwardHe urged her forward, his hand under her elbow.urgeurge somebody into/towards somethingShe began urging him towards the front door.beginurgeurge somebody ↔ on phrasal verb PERSUADEto encourage a person or animal to work harder, go faster etc: Urged on by the crowd, the Italian team scored two more goals.urgescoregoal
urgenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesurgeurgesurgeurge2 noun [countable] WANTa strong wish or need SYN desireurge to do somethingHe could no longer resist the urge to go and see Amanda.canlongSuddenly she had an overwhelming urge to be with her son.haveoverwhelmCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesstrong/powerful The urge was too strong to resist.bean irresistible/uncontrollable/overwhelming urge (=very strong) I was overcome by an irresistible urge to laugh.bea sudden urge She fought back the sudden urge to beg his forgiveness.fighta sexual/biological urge Most of us feel the biological urge to reproduce.a primal/instinctive/basic/natural urge (=a natural urge that all people have) Every animal has an instinctive urge to survive.haveverbsfeel/have an urge I still sometimes feel an urge to have a cigarette.resist/fight/suppress an urge She had to resist a constant urge to look back over her shoulder.havesatisfy an urge (=do want you feel you want to do) He satisfied his urge to travel by going to India.satisfygogive in to an urge (=do what you feel you want to do, when this is wrong) I try not to give in to the urge to gossip.
adjectiveWord family1GOOD/EXCELLENTmaking you feel very happy SYN great: We had a wonderful time in Spain.have2ADMIREmaking you admire someone or something very much SYN amazing: It’s wonderful what doctors can do nowadays.doctor
nounDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: → TROUPE 1troops [plural]ARMY soldiers in an organized group:
Both countries agreed to withdraw their troops.countryagreetroopFrench/UN/government etc troopsJohnson took the popular step of sending in American troops.takesendtrooptroops stationed in Hawaiitroopstation2troop movement/withdrawal etc movements etc of troops: increased troop deployment (=when troops are moved to places where they are needed)increase3[countable] a group of soldiers, especially on horses or in tanks: the troop commander4[countable]GROUP OF PEOPLE a group of people or animals that do something together: a troop of monkeysmonkeya Scout troop → troupeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + troops American/French/UN etc troops This operation was undertaken by British troops.beundertaketroopforeign troops He demanded that all foreign troops be withdrawn from the region.demandtroopwithdrawgovernment troops The state radio reported serious clashes between government troops and guerrillas.reportclashtroopguerrillapeacekeeping troops He ruled out sending UN peacekeeping troops into the republic.rulesendtroopground troops The advancing ground troops were provided with substantial air support.advancegrindtroopbeprovidecombat troops Heavily-armed combat troops were deployed on the streets of the capital yesterday.armtroopbedeploystreetenemy troops His platoon was captured by enemy troops.becapturetroopelite/crack troops (=the best, most skilled or most experienced troops) The general's headquarters is guarded by crack troops.beguardtroopverbswithdraw troops Mauritania had declared its neutrality and withdrawn its troops.havedeclarewithdrawtroopsend in troops Johnson wanted to win the war without sending in American ground troops.wantsendgrindtroopdeploy troops (=send them to a place where they could do something) Should more troops be deployed?shalltroopdeploytroops are stationed 525,000 American troops were stationed in the country.troopbestationtroops march British troops marched north to attack the German forces.troopmarchforcetroops advance (=move forward in order to attack a place) Government troops advanced on the rebel stronghold.troopadvance
troopverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplestrooptroopstroopedtroopingtrooptroop2 verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] informalVerb form GOif a group of people troop somewhere, they walk there together in a way that shows they are tired or boredtroop off/along/out etcAfter rehearsals, we’d all troop off to the cafeteria.rehearsal
preposition formalDate: 1100-1200Origin: up + on 1CONNECTED WITHused to mean ‘on’ or ‘onto’:
an honour bestowed upon the associationbestowWe are completely dependent upon your help.beBrandon threw him upon the ground.throwgrind2if a time or event is upon you, it is about to happen: Winter is almost upon us.be3layer upon layer/mile upon mile etc used to emphasize that there are a lot of layers, miles etc: mile upon mile of golden sand → once upon a time at once1(14), → take it upon yourself to do something at take1(27)
adjective
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: veikr 1physicalWEAK not physically strong:
The illness left her feeling weak.leavefeelPoor light produces weak plants.produceplantbe too weak to do somethingShe’s too weak to feed herself.weak with/fromNina was weak with hunger.beThe animal was weak from loss of blood.beweak heart/lungs etcMy grandfather had a weak heart.have2likely to break unable to support much weight: a weak bridgetoo weak to do somethingThe branch was too weak to support his weight.be3characterDECIDE easily influenced by other people – used to show disapproval: a weak indecisive man4without powerPOWER not having much power or influenceweak leader/ruler/king etca weak and ineffective presidentThe party was left weak and divided.beleavedivideThe country is in a weak position economically.be5without interestEFFECTIVE without the power to interest or amuse people: The play is well acted but the plot is weak.beactbea weak joke6without energy done without energy or confidence: He managed a weak smile.manage7not good at doing somethingBAD AT not good at a particular skill or subject, or in a particular area of activity or knowledgeweak inNew Zealand was weak in defense.beweak onShe speaks quite fluently but she’s weak on grammar.speakBe honest about your weak points (=your faults or the things you do not do well).point8money not financially successfulweak currency/economy etcThe pound was weak against the dollar.be9argument/idea not likely to make people believe that something is true or right: She’s washing her hair? That sounds like a weak excuse!washsoundThere are some weak points in her argument.bepointThe defence lawyer clearly knew that his case was weak.knowbe10drinkLIQUID weak tea, beer etc contains a lot of water and has little taste OPP strong11light/sound difficult to see or hear SYN faint: a weak radio signalHe had only a weak light to see by.have12weak points/spots the parts of something that can easily be attacked or criticized: Check your house for weak spots where a thief could enter.spotcan13weak at the kneesWEAK feeling strange because of strong emotions: His smile made her go weak at the knees.makeknee14weak momentPERSUADE a time when you can be persuaded more easily than usual: Dave caught me at a weak moment and I lent him £10.catchlend15the weak/weakest link the person or thing in a situation that is less strong, skilful etc than the others: Goalkeeper Gouter proved to be the weakest link.proveweak16weak verb technical a verb that forms regular past tenses OPP strong verb17weak consonant/syllable one that is not emphasized—weaklyweakly adverb: ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, smiling weakly.saysmileHe sank down weakly beside her.sinkTHESAURUSnot physically strongweak not physically strong, sometimes because you are ill: Tom’s had flu and he’s still feeling weak.havefeel | The doctors said she was too weak to have an operation.doctorsaybe | He suffered constantly from a weak chest.sufferfrail weak and thin, especially because you are old: a frail 85-year-old lady | My grandfather’s becoming quite frail now.becomeshaky feeling weak in your legs and only able to walk slowly and unsteadily: When I came out of hospital I was a bit shaky for a while.comebebitepuny /ˈpjuːni/ especially disapproving small, thin, and looking very weak: his puny white armsarm | He was a puny little boy who was often bullied at school.bebebullyfeeble especially written weak and unable to do much because you are very ill, very old or young: For a week she was too feeble to get out of bed.be | a tiny, feeble babydelicate weak and often becoming ill easily: a delicate child | She had rather a delicate constitution (=her body easily became ill).haveinfirm formal weak or ill for a long time, especially because you are old: a residential home for people who are elderly and infirmbe | There are special facilities for wheelchair users and infirm guests.befacilityuserguestmalnourished formal weak or ill because you have not had enough good food to eat: Half a million people there are severely malnourished.be | The organization provides emergency feeding for malnourished children.providefeedchildlikely to breakweak unable to support much weight, and likely to break: The foundations of the building are rather weak.foundationbuildbe | an old chair with weak legslegfragile made of a thin material that is easy to break or damage – used when something needs to be handled carefully: a fragile china vase | Be careful of those glasses – they’re very fragile.glassdelicate easy to break or damage – used especially about soft materials, skin etc: Wash delicate fabrics separately.fabric | This soap is good for delicate skin.beflimsy not well-made from strong materials and so easily damaged – used about furniture, houses etc: a flimsy plastic table | This keyboard’s very cheap but it’s a bit flimsy.biterickety /ˈrɪkəti, ˈrɪkɪti/ in very bad condition and likely to break – used about a building, piece of furniture, vehicle etc: a rickety old bicycle | He lived in a rickety hut on the beach for several years.liveyear
verbLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wyscan Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] formalWANT if you wish to do something or you wish to have it done for you, you want to do it or want to have it done SYN likewish to do something
I wish to make a complaint.If you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact me.farYou may leave now, if you wish.(just) as you wish (=used in formal situations to tell someone you will do what they want)‘I’d like it to be ready by six.’ ‘Just as you wish, sir.’The cook will prepare whatever you wish.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say want rather than wish:I want to see the manager.You can go, if you want.2[transitive]WANT to want something to be true although you know it is either impossible or unlikely → if onlywish (that)I wish I didn’t have to go to work today.I wish that I could afford a new car.canHe wished Emily were with him.wishbeSometimes I wish I had never been born.havebeGrammarWhen talking about things that you would like to happen or be true, use wish and the past tense, or wish and would or could: I wish I lived in New York.liveI wish they would explain things better.willthingwellIn British English, you can either say 'I wish I was’ or 'I wish I were', which is rather formal. In American English, you should use were: I wish I were ten years younger.beyearyoungWhen talking about things that you would like to have happened, use wish and the past perfect tense: I wish I had paid more attention in class.havepay3[transitive]HAPPY to say that you hope someone will have good luck, a happy life etcwish somebody somethingWe wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!We wish them every happiness in their new home.He shook my hand and wished me luck.shakewishwish somebody well (=say that you hope that good things will happen to someone)My friends wished me well in my new job.friendwish4I couldn’t wish for a nicer/better etc ... (also the nicest/best etc ... I could have wished for)GOOD/EXCELLENT used to emphasize that you are very happy with what you have and cannot imagine anyone or anything better: I couldn’t wish for a better husband.wellIt’s the best birthday present I could have wished for.wellcanwish5I wish (that) somebody would do something spoken used to say that you find someone’s behaviour annoying and want them to change: I wish you’d stop treating me like a child!treat6[intransitive] a)to want something to happen or to want to have something, especially when it seems unlikely or impossible → long forwish forIt was no use wishing for the impossible.bewishShe was like the sister I never had but always wished for.behavewish b)to silently ask for something you want and hope that it will happen by magic or good luck – used especially in children’s storieswish forOne day she found a magic ring that brought her whatever she wished for.findbringwish7I wish! spokenWANT used to say that something is not true, but you wish it was: ‘I think he really likes you.’ ‘I wish!’like8you wish! spoken used to tell someone that what they want to happen or be true will definitely not happen or become true: ‘I’m going to be famous one day.’ ‘You wish!’go9wouldn’t wish something on/upon somebody spokenUNPLEASANT used to say that something is very unpleasant and that you would not like anyone to have to experience it: Having your house broken into is terrible. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.havebreakbe10I don’t wish to interfere/be nosy etc British English spoken formalSORRY/APOLOGIZE used to show you are sorry if what you are going to say upsets or annoys someone: I don’t wish to seem ungrateful, but it’s not quite what I expected.expect11I (only) wish I knew British English spokenNOT KNOW used to emphasize that you do not know something, and you wish you did know: ‘Where on earth have they gone?’ ‘I wish I knew!’goknowwish something ↔ away phrasal verb1GET RID OFto make something unpleasant disappear by wanting it to disappear, without doing anything about it: You can’t just wish your problems away, you know!problem2wish your life away to always be thinking about the future, so that you do not do or enjoy things now – used to show disapproval: Don’t wish your life away.
wishnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswishwisheswishwish2 S3 noun [countable]1WANTa desire to do something, to have something, or to have something happenwish ofIt’s important to listen to the wishes of the patient.wishwish to do somethingDespite her wish to continue working, she was forced to retire at the age of 62.workbeforce → death wish2ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STHa silent request for something to happen as if by magic: Close your eyes and make a wish.eye3against sb’s wishesDISOBEY if you do something against someone’s wishes, you do it even though you know they do not want you to: She’d left school against her mother’s wishes.leavewishgo against sb’s wishes (=do something against their wishes)4best/good/warmest etc wishes used, especially in cards and letters, to say that you hope someone will be happy, successful, or healthybest/good/warmest etc wishes forBest wishes for a long and happy retirement!wellwishShe asked me to pass on her good wishes to all her friends and colleagues.askwishfriendcolleague(With) best wishes (=used at the end of a letter before you sign your name)With best wishes, Celia.wellwish5have no wish to do something formalWANT used to emphasize that you do not want or intend to do something: I have no wish to speak to her ever again.6your wish is my commandOBEY used humorously to say that you will do whatever someone asks you to doCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a wish (=silently ask for something that you want to happen) He blew out the candles and made a wish.blowcandlemakeget/have your wish (=get what you want) She wanted him to leave, and she got her wish.wantgetgrant/fulfil somebody's wish (=give someone what they want) His parents would now be able to grant his wish.parentwillexpress a wish He expressed a wish to go to the United States.expressunitestaterespect sb’s wishes (=do what someone wants) We have to respect his wishes.wishignore sb’s wishes It is important not to ignore the wishes of the patient.bewishphrasessomebody's wish comes true His wish came true when he was called up to play for England.comebecalladjectivessb’s greatest/deepest wish (also sb’s dearest wish British English) (=what they want most of all) Her greatest wish was to see her parents again.greatbeparentsb’s last/final/dying wish Her last wish was to be buried in her husband’s grave.beburya fervent wish (=a strong wish) To die for Ireland was the fervent wish of every true patriot.beadverbscontrary to somebody's wishes (=against what someone has said they want) Contrary to her parents' wishes, she decided not to go to university.parentwishdecidein accordance with somebody's wishes formal (=following what someone wants) In accordance with his wishes, he was buried next to his first wife.wishbebury
prepositionLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: weorth ‘worthy, of a particular value’ 1be worth somethingVALUE a)to have a value in money:
The house must be worth quite a lot of money now.One of the pictures is worth £50,000.picturebeDo you know how much the ring is worth?beThis art collection is worth a fortune (=worth a very large amount of money).bebe worth nothing/not be worth anythingIt’s a very old machine so I shouldn’t think it’s worth anything. b)to have money or possessions that have value: I’ve heard that he’s worth over $2 million.hearThe man who founded the company must be worth a fortune.found ► Worth is not a verb. Do not say that something ‘worths’ something.2be worth (doing) something a)USEFULused to say that something is interesting, useful, or helpful: A lot of the small towns in the area are definitely worth visiting.townbevisitThe film is well worth seeing.beseeworth a trip/visit etcThe local museum is worth a visit.be b)used to say that someone should do something because they will gain something from itbe worth doing somethingIt’s worth checking the details of the contract before you sign it.checkdetailIt’s well worth getting there early if you want a good seat.getbe worth the time/effort/workIt was a great evening, and definitely worth all the hard work.beeven3be worth it informal used to say that you gain something from an action: It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it.bebe4be not worth it informal used to say that you do not gain anything from an action: I thought about trying to talk to him about it, but decided it wasn’t worth it.thinktrydecide5USEFULbe worth sb’s while (to do/doing something) spoken used to say that someone should spend time or money on something because they will gain something from it: It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.Some people feel it’s not worth their while working if they can get money from the state.work6make it worth sb’s while spokenPAY FOR to offer something to someone so that they will do something for you: He promised to make it worth our while.promise7what’s it worth (to you)? spokenPAY FOR used humorously to ask someone how they will reward you if you do something for them8for what it’s worth spokenNOT SURE used when you are giving someone information, to say that you are not sure how useful it is: Here’s the list of names, for what it’s worth.name9for all you are/he is etc worthLOT/VERY MUCH with as much effort as possible: He was pulling the rope for all he was worth.bepullbe10worth his/her salt doing their job well or deserving respect: Any player worth his salt would love to play for his country.will11worth your/its weight in gold very useful: In these mountains, an experienced guide is worth his weight in gold.mountainexperiencebe
worthnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesworthworthsworthworth2 W3 noun [uncountable]Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: weorth 1ten pounds’ worth/$500 worth etc of something an amount of something worth ten pounds, $500 etc:
a chance to win £2,000 worth of computing equipmentcomputeThe fire caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.causepound2ten minutes’ worth/a week’s worth etc of something something that takes ten minutes, a week etc to happen, do, or use: We had only three days’ worth of food left.havedayleave3how good or useful something is or how important it is to people SYN value: The new computer system has already proved its worth.haveprove4VALUEhow much money something is worth SYN value: It is difficult to estimate the current worth of the company.be
conjunctionDate: 1400-1500Origin: on less than ‘on a lower condition than’ (1400-1500) 1IFused to say that something will happen or be true if something else does not happen or is not true:
Unless some extra money is found, the theatre will close.befindI think you should complain – unless, of course, you are happy with the way things are.shallbethingbeHe won’t go to sleep unless you tell him a story.winI can’t leave her unless I know she’s all right.2not unless only if: ‘Will you go with her?’ ‘Not unless she wants me to.’wantGrammarunless, if ... not, in case, or (else)Use unless to say that something will happen or be true if something else does not happen or is not true. Do not use 'will' or 'shall' after unless. Use the present tense or present perfect: Businesses will not survive unless they satisfy (NOT will satisfy) their customers.businesscustomerIf you want to mention something that did in fact happen or is in fact true, use if ... not: If he had not tripped, he would have won (=but he did trip).havetripwillwinI would go out if it wasn’t raining (=but it is raining).willrainUse in case when talking about something that is or should be done because something might happen: Take a sweater in case you get cold (NOT unless you get cold).Use or or or else to say what bad thing will definitely happen if something else does not happen: You’d better go, or else you’ll miss the train (NOT unless you miss the train).wellTHESAURUSif used when talking about the possibility that something might happen or be true: He faces a long prison sentence if the court finds him guilty.facefind | If scientists’ predictions are correct, average global temperatures could rise by 6 degrees.scientistpredictionbetemperaturecandegreeunless if something does not happen, or if someone does not do something: The star is difficult to see unless the sky is very clear.bebe | Doctors said they could not treat the boy unless his parents gave their permission.doctorsaycanparentgivewhether or not used when saying that it does not matter if something happens or not, or if something is true or not: Most people will get better on their own, whether or not they receive medical treatment.well | I’m still going, whether she likes it or not.golikeotherwise used when saying that there will be a bad result if someone does not do something, or if something does not happen: Drink plenty of water – otherwise you will become dehydrated.dehydratein case in order to deal with something that might happen: She did not think it would rain, but she took her umbrella just in case.dowilltake | It is best to keep a medical kit ready in case of emergency.bewellas long as/provided that only if something else happens or is true: Visitors are welcome, as long as they bring their own tent.visitorbe | Anyone can join the course, provided that there is space available.providebe | As long as you can find a computer, you can access an internet-based bank account wherever you are.basebeon condition that used when you agree to do something only if someone first agrees to do something else: He was offered the job on condition that he went on a month-long training course.beoffergotrain
verb (past tense wore /wɔː $ wɔːr/, past participle worn /wɔːn $ wɔːrn/)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: werian Verb form1on your body [transitive]WEAR CLOTHES to have something such as clothes, shoes, or jewellery on your body:
Susanna was wearing a black silk dress.bewearHe wore glasses for reading.wearglassreadwear a seat belt (=have it around yourself)wear black/white/red etcUsually I wear black, grey, or brown.wear something to a party/a dance/an interview etcI’m wearing a scarlet dress to the party.wearRegisterIn everyday English, people often say that someone has something on rather than is wearing something:She had on a black silk dress.have2hair [transitive] to have your hair or beard in a particular style or shape: She wore her hair loose.wear3damage [intransitive and transitive]DAMAGE to become thinner or weaker after continuous use, or to make something do this: The cushions are starting to wear a little.cushionbestartHis jeans have worn thin at the knees.wearkneeYou’ve worn a hole in your sock.wear4wear well a)to remain in good condition after a period of time: The tyres on the car seem to be wearing well.tyrewear b)if someone is wearing well, they look younger than they really are: He must have been around his mid-forties at least, but he’d worn well.belittlewear5expression [transitive]EXPRESSION ON SB'S FACE to have a particular expression on your facewear a smile/frown/grin etcHis face wore a welcoming smile.wearwelcome6something is wearing thin a)if something is wearing thin, you are bored with it because it is not interesting any more, or has become annoying: The film begins well but the joke wears thin after about ten minutes.beginwearminute b)if your patience is wearing thin, you have very little left, because of a delay or problem7wear the trousers British English, wear the pants American English informalDECIDE to be the person in a family who makes the decisions8wear your heart on your sleeve informalSHOW/BE A SIGN OF to show your true feelings openly—wearablewearable adjectiveTHESAURUSto be wearing clotheswear to have a particular piece of clothing or a particular style of clothing on your body: All visitors must wear a protective helmet.visitor | She always wears black.wear | Can you tell me what the man was wearing?bewearhave something on to be wearing a particular piece of clothing, jewellery etc. Have something on is more informal than wear: I had my new blue top on.have | He had on a red tie and a grey jacket.have | The boy had nothing on!havebe dressed in something especially written used especially in written descriptions when describing the clothes that someone is wearing: Alistair was dressed in his best suit and tie.bedresswellwear away phrasal verb DAMAGEto gradually become thinner or smoother, or to make something become like this, because of rubbing or touching: The leather is starting to wear away at the seams.bestartseamwear something ↔ awayMost of the grass had already been worn away by the spectators.havebewearspectatorwear down phrasal verb1SMALLto gradually become flatter or smoother, or to make something become like this, because of rubbing or use: My shoes have worn down at the heel.shoewearwear something ↔ downIts teeth were worn down.toothbewear2WEAKNOT SUREwear somebody ↔ down to gradually make someone physically weaker or less determined: It was clear he was being worn down by the rumours over his future.bebebewearrumourwear off phrasal verb1STOP HAPPENINGif pain or the effect of something wears off, it gradually stops: The effects of the anaesthetic were starting to wear off.effectbestart2the novelty wears offBORING used to say that you stop feeling interested or excited about something because it is no longer new: It was funny for a while but the novelty soon wore off.bewearwear on phrasal verb PASS/GO PASTif time wears on, it passes very slowly, especially when you are waiting for something to happen: I was feeling more tired as the night wore on.befeeltirewearwear out phrasal verb1DAMAGEto become damaged and useless, or to make something like this, by using it a lot or for a long time: My boots are beginning to wear out.bootbebeginwear something ↔ outHe travels so much he actually wears out suitcases.travelwearsuitcase2TIREDwear somebody out to make someone feel extremely tired SYN exhaust: All this shopping has worn us out.shophavewearwear yourself outIllness and death came suddenly; over the years she had simply worn herself out.comeyearhavewear3wear out your welcome to stay with someone longer than they want you to → worn out
wearnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswearwearswearwear2 noun [uncountable]Word family1the clothes worn for a particular occasion or activity, or by a particular group of peopleevening/casual/leisure etc weara new range of casual wearbridal wearthe children’s wear departmentchild → footwear, menswear2DAMAGEdamage caused by continuous use over a long period: Replace your trainers when they start to show signs of wear.trainersignCheck the equipment for wear and tear.3USE STHthe amount of use an object, piece of clothing etc has had, or the use you can expect to get from it: The dress stood up to the wear small children give their clothes.standchildclotheYou’ll get years of wear out of that coat.year → the worse for wear at worse1(7)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesevening wear formal (=clothes worn to formal events in the evening) The band were dressed in evening wear.bedressevencasual wear The company makes stylish casual wear for men and women.makemanwomanleisure wear This is leisure wear for active people.beformal wear Actresses were dressed in everything from formal wear to miniskirts.actressbedressminiskirtbridal wear a bridal wear shopmaternity wear (=for pregnant women) The shop sells comfortable and fashionable maternity wear for every occasion.sellchildren’s/men’s/women’s wear the children’s wear section of the storechilddesigner wear I can’t afford designer wear.THESAURUSclothes noun [plural] things you wear to cover your body or keep you warm. Clothes is always plural: I like your clothes!clothe | Don’t throw your dirty clothes on the floor!clothe | a clothes shopclotheclothing noun [uncountable] used when talking in general about a type of clothes, or about making or selling clothes. Also used in the phrase a piece/item/article of clothing (=one of the things that someone wears): You’ll need to take some warm clothing.clothe | It is important to wear protective clothing at all times.beclothetime | a clothing manufacturerclothe | a clothing retailerclothe | Police found a piece of clothing in the bushes.findclothebush | I took a change of clothing with me.takeclothegarment noun [countable] formal one thing that you wear. Also used when talking about buying and selling clothes: a long velvet garment | the garment industry | garment workersworker | garment factoriesfactorydress noun [uncountable] a particular style of clothes. Don’t use dress on its own: Casual dress is not appropriate for an interview.be | men in evening dressmanevenwear noun [uncountable] used about types of clothes sold in a shop, in the following phrases. Don’t use wear on its own: children’s wearchild | sports wearsport | casual weargear noun [uncountable] /ɡɪə $ ɡɪr/ informal clothes for a particular sport or activity: She was wearing her running gear.bewearrun | Have you got all your gear?getwardrobe noun [singular] all the clothes that you own, or all the clothes that you wear at a particular time of year: Her wardrobe consisted mainly of smart clothes for work.consistclothe | I will need a new summer weardrobe. | You could win a complete new wardrobe!can
adjective
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wearm 1be warmHOT slightly hot, especially in a pleasant way OPP cool → warmth:
The house was lovely and warm.beI hope we get some warm weather soon.I’ve put your dinner in the oven to keep it warm.warm water2feel warmHOT if you are warm, your body is at a comfortable temperature: Are you warm enough?bekeep/stay warm (=wear enough clothes not to feel cold)Make sure you keep warm!You’ll be as warm as toast in that sleeping bag.sleep3clothes/buildingsHOT clothes or buildings that are warm can keep in heat or keep out cold: Here, put on your nice warm coat.4friendlyFRIENDLY friendly or making someone feel comfortable and relaxed: a warm, reassuring smilereassurePlease give a warm welcome to our special guest.a warm glow of satisfactionThe Hungarian people are warm and friendly.be5colour warm colours contain the colours red, yellow, and orange, which make you feel comfortable and happy OPP cool6correctCORRECT [not before noun] used especially in games to say that someone is near to guessing the correct answer or finding a hidden object OPP cold: You’re getting warmer.getwarm—warmnesswarmnesseswarmness noun [uncountable]
warmverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswarmwarmswarmedwarmingwarmwarm2 (also warm upwarm upswarm uppedwarm uppingwarm up) verb [intransitive and transitive]
Word familyVerb form HOTto make someone or something warm or warmer, or to become warm or warmer: They gathered round the fire to warm their hands.gatherhandwarm yourselfWarm yourself by the fire.warm to somebody/something (also warm up to somebody/somethingwarm up to somebody/something American English) phrasal verb1ENJOY/LIKE DOING STHto begin to like someone you have just met: Bruce didn’t warm to him as he had to Casey.have2EXCITEDto become more eager, interested, or excited about somethingwarm to a theme/subject/topic etcThe more she spoke, the more she warmed to her subject.speakwarmVoters are starting to warm up to the idea.voterbestartwarm up phrasal verb1make warmHOT to become warm, or to make someone or something warm: With the fire on, the room should soon warm up.shallOnce the weather warms up, you can move the plants outdoors.warmplantwarm something ↔ upI turned on the grill to warm it up.turnwarm somebody upCome inside and have a drink. It’ll warm you up.2food to heat food, especially food that has already been cooked, so that it is hot enough to eat, or to become hot enough to eatwarm something ↔ upI’ll put the lasagne in the oven to warm it up.3do exercises to do gentle physical exercises to prepare your body for dancing, sport etc: The runners began warming up.runnerbeginwarm → warm-up1(1), warm-up2(2)4machine/engine if a machine or engine warms up, or if you warm it up, it becomes ready to work properly after being switched on: He waited for the photocopier to warm up.waitwarm something ↔ upHe started to warm up the aircraft’s engines.startengine5eventENJOY/LIKE DOING STH if a party, election etc warms up, it starts to become enjoyable or interesting, especially because more is happening: The race for governor is beginning to warm up.bebegin6practise if musicians, singers, or performers warm up, they practise just before a performance: The band had little time to warm up before going on stage.havego7perform/speak firstHAPPYEXCITED to perform or speak first at an event, so that the people listening are relaxed or excited before the main singer, speaker etc comes onwarm somebody ↔ upHe warmed up the audience by telling them a few jokes.warmtelljokewarm up forThey warmed up for U2 on one of their early tours.warmtour → look/feel like death warmed up/over at death(8)
warmnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary exampleswarmwarmswarmwarm3 noun the warm British EnglishHOT a place that is warm OPP the cold: Come into the warm!
warmadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary exampleswarmwarmwarm4 adverbWord family wrap up warmHOT to put on enough clothes so that you do not feel cold
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: wæpen 1something that you use to fight with or attack someone with, such as a knife, bomb, or gun:
They all had sticks which they planned to use as weapons.havestickplanweapon2WAY/METHODan action, piece of information, piece of equipment etc that you can use to win or be successful in doing something: a new weapon in the fight against AIDSaidRight now, she felt the need of every weapon in her armoury (=weapon that she had), including surprise.feelincludeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + weaponnuclear/atomic weapons The country is thought to be developing nuclear weapons.bethinkdevelopweaponconventional weapons (=not nuclear) With conventional weapons, the destruction is not so drastic.weaponbechemical/biological weapons (=weapons that use chemicals such as poisonous gases, or dangerous germs) Troops may have been exposed to chemical weapons.troopbeexposeweaponan offensive weapon (=one that can be used to attack someone illegally) He was charged with carrying an offensive weapon.bechargecarrya lethal/deadly weapon (=one that can kill) A knife is a lethal weapon.bethe murder weapon (=the weapon used to kill someone) Police found a knife at the scene that is believed to be the murder weapon.findbebelievean automatic weapon (=an automatic gun) He was shot 120 times with automatic weapons.beshoottimeweaponverbscarry a weapon The man is believed to be carrying a weapon.bebelievecarryuse a weapon They claim the government used chemical weapons against them.useweaponfire a weapon (=shoot a gun or missile) Police were told not to fire their weapons.betellweapon
noun
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: traust ‘confidence, trust’ 1belief [uncountable]TRUST a strong belief in the honesty, goodness etc of someone or something:
At first there was a lack of trust between them.bean agreement made on the basis of mutual trust (=when people trust each other)makeput/place your trust in somebody/somethingYou shouldn’t put your trust in a man like that.You betrayed your father’s trust (=did something bad even though he trusted you).betray → breach of trust at breach1(3)2organization [countable usually singular] an organization or group that has control over money that will be used to help someone else: a charitable trust3financial arrangement [uncountable and countable] an arrangement by which someone has legal control of your money or property, either until you are old enough to use it or to invest it for you: The money your father left you will be held in trust until you are 21.leaveholdbe → trust fund, unit trust4take something on trustBELIEVE to believe that something is true without having any proof: I just had to take it on trust that he would deliver the money.havewill5position of trustJOB/WORK a job or position in which you have been given the responsibility of making important decisions6companies [countable] especially American English a group of companies that illegally work together to reduce competition and control prices: anti-trust lawslaw
trustverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestrusttruststrustedtrustingtrusttrust2 S2 W3 verb [transitive]
Word familyVerb form1peopleTRUST to believe that someone is honest or will not do anything bad or wrong OPP distrust, mistrust: I just don’t trust him.trust somebody to do somethingCan they be trusted to look after the house?trustI didn’t trust myself not to say something rude, so I just kept quiet.keeptrust somebody completely/implicitlyHe was a good driver and I trusted him implicitly.betrustnot trust somebody an inch/not trust somebody as far as you can throw them (=not trust someone at all)2facts/judgementDEPEND/IT DEPENDS to be sure that something is correct or right SYN believe in, rely on: Can we trust these statistics?statisticI trust his judgement completely.Trust your instincts (=do what you feel is the right thing)!instinct3things to be sure that something will work properly SYN rely on: Not trusting her voice, she shook her head.trustshaketrust something to do somethingYou can’t trust the trains to run on time.trainHe sat down suddenly, as if he didn’t trust his legs to support him.sitleg4trust you/him/them etc (to do something)! spokenTYPICAL used to say that someone has behaved in a bad or stupid way that is typical of them: Trust you to write down the wrong number!numb5I trust (that) spoken formalHOPE used to say politely that you hope something is true: I trust that from now on you will take greater precautions.greatprecaution → trusting, → tried and trusted at tried2trust in something/somebody phrasal verb formal BELIEVETRUSTto believe in someone or something: We trust in God.trust to something phrasal verb HOPEto hope that what you want to happen will happen, because there is nothing you can do about it: I’ll just have to trust to luck that it works out okay.workI hope I may trust to your discretion.trust somebody with something phrasal verb to let someone have something or have control over something, believing that they will be careful with it: I wouldn’t trust him with the keys.keyI’d trust her with my life.
verb (past tense and past participle worried, present participle worrying, third person singular worries)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wyrgan ‘to strangle’ Verb form1be anxious [intransitive]WORRIED to be anxious or unhappy about someone or something, so that you think about them a lotworry about
I worry about my daughter.You’ve really got no need to worry about your weight.getworry (that)She worried that she wasn’t doing enough to help.worrydoworry overDad worries over the slightest thing.worryslightDon’t tell Mum about this – she’s got enough to worry about (=she already has a lot of problems or is very busy).get2don’t worry spoken a)WORRIEDused when you are trying to make someone feel less anxious: Don’t worry, darling, Daddy’s here.don’t worry ifDon’t worry if you can’t finish all the questions.question b)NEEDused to tell someone that they do not need to do somethingdon’t worry aboutDon’t worry about sorting them out – I’ll do it later.sortlate c)CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYused to tell someone that you will definitely do something: Don’t you worry, I’ll make sure he does his fair share.do3make somebody anxious [transitive]WORRIED to make someone feel anxious about something: The recent changes in the Earth’s climate are beginning to worry scientists.changebebeginscientistI didn’t tell Mum and Dad – I didn’t want to worry them.what worries me is .../the (only) thing that worries me is ...The only thing that worries me is the food. I don’t want to get food poisoning.worrybepoisonDoesn’t it worry you that Sarah spends so much time away from home?spendworry yourself (=feel anxious, especially when there is no need to)You’re worrying yourself unnecessarily.worry4not to worry British English spokenUNIMPORTANT used to say that something is not important: Not to worry, we can always go another time.5nothing to worry about spokenWORRIED used to tell someone that something is not as serious or difficult as they think: It’s just a check-up – nothing to worry about.6annoy [transitive]ANNOY to annoy someone SYN bother: The heat didn’t seem to worry him.7animal [transitive] if a dog worries sheep, it tries to bite or kill themworry at something phrasal verb1BITEif an animal worries at a bone or piece of meat, it bites and shakes it2THINK ABOUTif you worry at a problem, you think about it a lot in order to find a solution
worrynounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1 2Activator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesworryworriesworryworry2 S2 noun (plural worries)Word family1[countable]WORRIED a problem that you are anxious about or are not sure how to deal withsb’s main/biggest/real etc worryMy main worry is finding somewhere to live.befindI had a lot of financial worries.haveworrybe a worry to/for somebodyMoney was always a big worry for us.beRegisterIn written English, people often prefer to use concern rather than worry, because it sounds more formal:One of voters’ key concerns is crime.voterconcernbe2[uncountable and countable]WORRIED the feeling of being anxious about somethingbe frantic/sick/desperate etc with worry (=feel extremely anxious)His mother was desperate with worry.beHe’s been a constant source of worry.beworry aboutWe had no worries about safety.haveworry3no worries British English spokenYES used to agree to what someone wants and to say that it will be no problem: ‘Can you deliver on Thursday?’ ‘Yeah, no worries, mate.’worryCOLLOCATIONSadjectivessb’s main/biggest worry My biggest worry is that I might make a fool of myself.bigbea major/big/great worry Traffic congestion is not yet a major worry in the area.bea real worry It's a real worry that he is so far away.besomebody's only worry My only worry was that she wouldn't like it.bea constant worry For shopkeepers here, break-ins are a constant worry.shopkeeperinbea nagging worry (=one that you keep worrying about) She had a little nagging worry in the back of her mind about how Mickey would react.havenagwillfinancial/money worries Bach’s last years were clouded by financial worries.yearbecloudworrya worry is unfounded (=there is no reason to worry) Fortunately their worries were unfounded and the astronauts returned safely to Earth.worrybeastronautreturnphrasesa source/cause of worry Her children were a constant source of worry.childbebe sick/frantic with worry The girl's mother was sick with worry over her missing daughter.bemissTHESAURUSsomething that makes you worriedworry a problem that you are anxious about or are not sure how to deal with: You should discuss your worries with your parents.shallworryparent | Worries about the company’s performance sent its share prices falling.worrysendpricefallconcern a situation that makes you feel worried, especially a problem that affects a lot of people, but that may not affect you personally: One concern is the effects of these chemicals on the environment.beeffectchemical | Our main concern is that the boys are well looked after while their parents are away.beboybelookparentbetroubles problems in your life that you are worried about: I don't want to bore you with my troubles.beartrouble | She has enough troubles of her own at the moment.havetrouble | I hope all our troubles will be over soon.troublecares written problems or responsibilities in your life that make you worry: She was not ready for the cares and responsibilities of running a family.becareresponsibilityrun | A holiday would give them chance to forget about all their cares.willcarehang-up informal a feeling of worry or embarrassment about something personal, such as your appearance or relationships with other people: She has a hang-up about her nose.have | We all have our hang-ups.upthe feeling of being worriedworry the feeling of not being happy or relaxed and thinking a lot about a problem or something that is wrong: She was sick with worry over her daughter.be | the look of worry on his faceanxiety the feeling of being worried because you think that something bad has happened or will happen, and you feel that you have no control over the situation: The thought of having to give a speech filled me with anxiety.thinkhavefill | The increase in heating costs is causing a lot of anxiety among elderly people.heatcostbecauseconcern a worried feeling – use this especially when many people are worried about a problem that affects everyone: The shortage of water is beginning to cause widespread concern.bebeginstress the feeling of being worried all the time, for example about work or personal problems, which can make you ill or very tired: Her financial problems were causing her a lot of stress.problembecauseanguish a feeling of extreme mental suffering caused by worry: How could her parents survive the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her?canparentknowhavehappen | When she spoke, her voice was full of anguish.speakbeangst a strong feeling of worry and anxiety because you are worried about your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation: The letter was full of teenage angst - would she ever be able to find another boyfriend?bewill | There was much angst about the decision.be
noun [uncountable and countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: win, from Latin vinum
1 an alcoholic drink made from grapes, or a type of this drink: a glass of winered/white winea bottle of red winedry/sweet/sparkling winea dry white wine2an alcoholic drink made from another fruit or plant: damson wineCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + wine red/white/rosé wine The waiter brought some red wine.bringdry wine (=not sweet) a dry white winesweet wine A slightly sweet wine goes well with smoked duck.gosmokesparkling wine (=with bubbles of gas in it) The best-known sparkling wine is champagne.wellknowsparklebestrong wine (=having a lot of alcohol) This village produces strong wines of good character.producewinelight wine (=without a lot of alcohol) The wine is light and refreshing.berefreshfruity wine a fresh and fruity wine made in Francemakefull-bodied wine (=with a pleasantly strong taste) full-bodied red wines such as claretwineFrench/Spanish etc wine The restaurant has a wide selection of French wines.havewinevintage wine (=good quality wine from a particular year) He was a collector of vintage wines.bewinefine wine (=a good and expensive wine) He was a lover of fine wines and good food.bewinetable wine (=an inexpensive wine to drink with a meal) The vineyard produce table wines for local use.winethe house wine (=ordinary wine that is used in restaurants, in contrast to wines that are sold by the bottle and have the label of a wine produce on them ) a glass of the house winephrasesa bottle of wine They opened a bottle of wine.opena glass of wine I poured myself a glass of wine.pour
wineverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleswinewineswinedwiningwinewine2 verbVerb form wine and dine somebodyINVITE to entertain someone well with a meal, wine etc: Companies spend millions wining and dining clients.companywinedineclient
noun1[countable]TRAVEL a visit to a place that involves a journey, for pleasure or a particular purposetrip toDid you enjoy your trip to Disneyland?dotrip fromThe Palace is only a short trip from here.bebusiness/school/shopping etc tripa business trip to JapanTwo lucky employees won a round-the-world trip.employeewincoach/boat/bus tripa boat trip up the Thamesday trip (=a pleasure trip done in one day)It’s an 80-mile round trip (=a journey to a place and back again) to Exeter.return trip (=when you are travelling back to where you started)I’m afraid you’ve had a wasted trip (=a trip in which you do not achieve your purpose) Mr Burgess has already left.havewasthaveleavego on/take a tripWe’re thinking of taking a trip to the mountains.thinktakemountainHe was unable to make the trip to accept the award.be2[countable] informal the strange mental experiences someone has when they take a drug such as LSD: a bad trip3[singular] American English informalFUNNY a person or experience that is amusing and unusual: Julie’s such a trip!4[countable] an act of falling as a result of hitting something with your foot: accidents caused by trips or fallsaccidentcausetripfall → ego trip, → guilt trip at guilt1(4), → round tripCOLLOCATIONSverbsgo on a trip (=go somewhere and come back) I’ve been on a coach trip to France.betake a trip (=go somewhere for pleasure) Take a trip on the Santa Fe railway or cruise on a Mississippi paddle boat.make a trip (=go somewhere, and perhaps come back) I couldn’t see him making the long trip to Minneapolis alone.makeADJECTIVES/NOUN + trip a business trip I’m on a business trip with my boss.a shopping/fishing/skiing etc trip He was knocked off his bicycle on his way home from a shopping trip.beknockshopa school trip (=when children and teachers from a school go somewhere) She went on a school trip to Tuscany.goa coach/bus/boat trip They took a boat trip to see the seals.takeseala day trip (=when you go somewhere for pleasure and come back the same day) Take a day trip to York, which is just 15 miles away.bemila round trip (=a journey to a place and back again) His wife makes a hundred and fifty mile round trip to see him twice a week.makethe return trip (=the journey back to a place) A day or two later she began her return trip to Chicago.latebegina wasted trip (=a trip in which you do not achieve what you wanted to) I’m afraid you’ve had a wasted trip. We don’t have those shoes in stock.havewastshoeTHESAURUStrip noun [countable] a visit to a place that involves a journey, done for pleasure, business, shopping etc: The trip to the coast took longer than we expected.takelongexpect | Did you have a good trip?dojourney noun [countable] especially British English an occasion when you travel from one place to another, especially a long distance: a long train journey | We continued our journey on foot.continue | They made the journey across the plains in a covered wagon.makeplaincovertravel noun [uncountable] the general activity of travelling, especially over long distances for pleasure. Don’t confuse travel and trip: a special ticket for train travel around Europe | Foreign travel is becoming increasingly popular.bebecometravels noun [plural] trips to places that are far away: She told us about her travels in South America.telltraveldifferent types of triptour noun [countable] a trip for pleasure, during which you visit several different towns, areas etc: She’s on a three week tour of Europe.excursion noun [countable] a short trip to visit a place on holiday, usually by a group of people: You can go on an afternoon excursion to Catalina Island.expedition noun [countable] a long and carefully organized trip, especially to a dangerous or unfamiliar place: Lewis and Clark’s expedition across North America | Scott led an expedition to the South Pole.leadcommute noun [countable] a trip to or from work that someone does every day: How long is your daily commute?becrossing noun [countable] a trip by boat from one piece of land to another: The Atlantic crossing was rough and stormy.crossbecruise noun [countable] a trip by boat for pleasure: We went on a cruise around the Caribbean.govoyage noun [countable] a very long trip in which you travel by ship or in a spacecraft: Columbus set out on his voyage across the ocean.trek noun [countable] a long and difficult trip on foot, in a place far from towns and cities: They did a trek across the Atlas Mountains.domountainpilgrimage noun [countable] a trip to a holy place for religious reasons: She went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.go
tripverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestriptripstrippedtrippingtriptrip2 verb (past tense and past participle tripped, present participle tripping)
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: triper Verb form1fall (also trip up) [intransitive]FALL to hit something with your foot by accident so that you fall or almost fall SYN stumble:
He tripped and fell.tripfalltrip overClary tripped over a cable and broke his foot.tripbreaktrip onHe tripped on the bottom step.trip2make somebody fall (also trip up) [transitive]FALL to make someone fall by putting your foot in front of them when they are moving: Baggio was tripped inside the penalty area.betrip3switch on [transitive] to switch on a piece of electrical equipment by accident: An intruder had tripped the alarm.havetrip4walk/dance [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] literaryWALK to walk, run, or dance with quick light steps: a little girl tripping down the lanetrip5trip off the tongueSAY to be easy to say or pronounce: Monofluorophosphate! It doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue, does it?do6drug (also trip out) [intransitive] informal to experience the mental effects of a drug such as LSD: They must have been tripping.betrip7trip the light fantasticDANCE to dance – used humorouslytrip up phrasal verb1TRICK/DECEIVEto make a mistake, or to force someone to make a mistake by tricking them: On his latest album, Kowalski trips up attempting more modern songs.latetripattemptsongtrip somebody ↔ upan attempt to trip up the Prime Minister on policy issuesissue2FALLto hit something with your foot so that you fall, or to make someone do thistrip somebody ↔ upHe chased the thief, tripped him up, and grabbed the camera.chasetripgrab
nounWord familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wudu
1 [uncountable and countable] the material that trees are made of → wooden, woody: Put some more wood on the fire.a polished wood floorpolishHer house was made of wood.bemake → hardwood, softwood2[countable] (also the woods) a small forest: a walk in the woodswood3touch wood British English, knock on wood American English said just after you have said that things are going well for you, when you want your good luck to continue4[countable] one of a set of four golf clubs with wooden heads5not be out of the wood(s) yet informalDIFFICULT used to say that there are likely to be more difficulties before things improve6not see the wood for the treesNOTICE to not notice what is important about something because you give too much of your attention to small details → dead woodCOLLOCATIONSadjectivessolid wood You can install a solid wood door.bare wood (=not painted or covered) The floors were of bare wood.floorbea hard/soft wood Oak is a hard wood.beverbschop wood He was chopping wood for the fire.bechopcut/saw wood A local carpenter cut the wood to size.carve wood (=used a knife to shape it) The room was decorated with carved wood.bedecoratecarvephrasesa piece of wood He made a bench out of pieces of wood.makepiecea plank of wood (=a long thin flat piece) The shed was constructed from some old planks of wood.beconstructplanka block of wood I used a block of wood to knock the pole into the ground.usegrindthe grain of the wood (=the natural lines in it) The oil enhances the natural grain of the wood.enhancewood + NOUNwood chips (=small rough pieces) Fish are smoked slowly over wood chips.besmokechipwood shavings (=thin curly pieces) He cleared up the wood shavings.clearshavingwood smoke There was a smell of wood smoke.be
verb [intransitive and transitive]Word familyVerb form1NOT SUREto think about something that you are not sure about and try to guess what is true, what will happen etcwonder who/what/how etcI wonder how James is getting on.begetWhat are they going to do now, I wonder?begowonder if/whetherI wonder if I’ll recognize Philip after all these years.yearHe’s been leaving work early a lot – it makes you wonder, doesn’t it?beleavemake2I wonder if/whether spokenASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH used to ask politely for something SYN may I: I wonder if I might have a drink?3I was wondering if/whether a)spokenASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH used to ask someone politely to help you: I was wondering if I could borrow your car?bewondercan b)INVITEused to ask someone politely if they would like to do something: I was wondering if you’d like to come to dinner.bewonder4SURPRISEDto feel surprised and unable to believe somethingwonder about/atSometimes I wonder about his behaviour.wonder howI wonder how he dares to show his face!dareI don’t wonder British English (=I am not surprised)I don’t wonder you’re tired.tireI shouldn’t wonder British English (=I would not be surprised about something)He’ll come back soon enough, I shouldn’t wonder.5DON'T THINK SO/DOUBT ITto doubt or question whether something is true: ‘Is she serious?’ ‘I wonder.’bewonder if/whetherSometimes I wonder if he’s got any sense at all!get
wondernounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleswonderwonderswonderwonder2 noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wundor 1admiration a)[uncountable]SURPRISED a feeling of surprise and admiration for something very beautiful or new to you SYN awe:
The sight of the Taj Mahal filled us with wonder.fill b)[countable]SURPRISED something that makes you feel surprise and admiration: technological wonderswonderthe Seven Wonders of the Worldwonder2(it’s) no/small/little wonder (that) especially spokenSURPRISED used to say that you are not surprised by something: No wonder you’ve got a headache, the amount you drank last night.getdrink3surprising it’s a wonder (that) especially spokenSURPRISED used to say that something is very surprising: It’s a wonder no one got hurt.get4do/work wondersEFFECTIVE to be very effective in solving a problem5wonders will never cease spokenSURPRISED used humorously to show you are surprised and pleased about something6clever person [singular] British EnglishGOOD AT someone who is good at doing difficult things → nine days wonder at nine(3)
wonderadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleswonderwonderwonder3 adjective [only before noun]Word family EFFECTIVEvery good and effective: a new wonder drug
adjective [only before noun] NEWRECENTLYthe most recent or the newest: all the latest gossiplateHis latest film is one of the funniest he’s ever made.latebefunnymake
latestnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entrieslatestlatestslatestlatest2 noun1the latest informalNEW the most recent or newest thingthe latest inWednesday’s session was the latest in a series of planning meetings.belateplanmeetingthe latest in ... technology/equipment (=the most modern equipment)using the latest in medical technologyuselate2at the latestBEFORE no later than the time mentioned: I should be back by 11 o'clock at the latest.shalllate
adjective
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: fæger ‘beautiful’ 1reasonable and acceptableFAIR a fair situation, system, way of treating people, or judgment seems reasonable, acceptable, and right OPP unfair:
All we are asking for is a fair wage.beaskbe£150 is a fair price.befair trial/hearingthe right to a fair trialWhat do you think is the fairest solution?befairThe report is a fair summary of the issues facing us.beissuefaceit is fair to do somethingIt seems fair to give them a second chance.seemit’s only fair (that) (=used to say that it is right to do something)It’s only fair that we tell him what’s happening.happenit’s fair to say (that) (=used when you think what you are saying is correct or reasonable)It’s fair to say that by then he had lost the support of his staff.haveloseit’s not fair on somebodyI can’t carry on working such long hours. It’s not fair on my family.workhour2treating everyone equallyFAIR treating everyone in a way that is right or equal OPP unfair: Why does Eric get to go and I don’t? It’s not fair!doLife isn’t always fair.fair toThe old law wasn’t fair to women.womanit’s only fair (that)You pay him $10 an hour – it’s only fair that I should get the same.shallMy boss expects a lot – but he’s very fair.expect3quite large a fair size/amount/number/bit/distance etc especially British EnglishBIG quite a large size, number etc: I’ve still got a fair amount of work left to do.getleaveWe had travelled a fair way (=quite a long distance) by lunch time.havetravelthere’s a fair chance (that)/of something (=it is quite likely that something will happen)There’s a fair chance we’ll be coming over to England this summer.come4hair/skinCOLOUR/COLOR someone who is fair, or who has fair hair or skin, has hair or skin that is very light in colour OPP dark5according to the rulesRIGHT/JUSTIFIED a fair fight, game, or election is one that is played or done according to the rules OPP unfair6level of abilityORDINARY neither particularly good nor particularly bad SYN average: Her written work is excellent but her practical work is only fair.writebebe7weather weather that is fair is pleasant and not windy, rainy etc SYN fine: It should be generally fair and warm for the next few days.shallday8have had more than your fair share of somethingMORE THAN STH OR SB ELSE to have had more of something, especially something unpleasant, than seems reasonable: Poor old Alan! He’s had more than his fair share of bad luck recently.have9give somebody a fair crack of the whip British English informalFAIR to give someone the opportunity to do something, especially so that they can show that they are able to do it10give somebody/get a fair shake American English informalFAIR to treat someone, or to be treated, in a way that gives everyone the same chances as everyone else: Women don’t always get a fair shake in business.woman11by fair means or foulDETERMINED using any method to get what you want, including dishonest or illegal methods12all’s fair in love and warRIGHT/PROPER used to say that in some situations any method of getting what you want is acceptable13pleasant/attractive old use or literaryNICEBEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKING pleasant and attractive: a fair maidenSPOKEN PHRASES14AGREEfair enough especially British English used to say that you agree with someone’s suggestion or that something seems reasonable SYN OK: ‘I think we should split the bill.’ ‘Fair enough.’shall15FAIRto be fair used when adding something after someone has been criticized, which helps to explain or excuse what they did SYN in fairness: She should have phoned to tell us what her plans were although, to be fair, she’s been very busy.shallphoneplanbebe16UNFAIRbe fair! especially British English used to tell someone not to be unreasonable or criticize someone too much: Now Pat, be fair, the poor girl’s trying her hardest!tryhard17FAIRfair’s fair used when you think it is fair that someone should do something, especially because of something that has happened earlier: Come on, fair’s fair – I paid last time so it’s your turn.pay18FAIRfair comment British English used to say that a remark or criticism seems reasonable19FAIRyou can’t say fairer than that British English used to say that an offer you are making to someone is the best and fairest offer they can possibly get: I’ll give you £25 for it – you can’t say fairer than that, can you?fair20CATCHit’s a fair cop British English used humorously to admit that you should not be doing something that someone has caught you doing21PERSONALLY/YOURSELFwith your own fair hands British English if you do something with your own fair hands, you do it yourself without any help – used humorously → have a fair idea of something at ideaTHESAURUSfair treating people equally or in the way that is right: It’s not fair that she gets paid more than me.getpay | Everyone has the right to a fair trial.havejust formal morally right and fair: a just punishment | a just cause | a just society | Do you think it was a just war?bereasonable fair and sensible according to most people’s standards: a reasonable request | Lateness, without a reasonable excuse, will not be tolerated.toleratebalanced giving fair and equal treatment to all sides of an argument or subject: Balanced reporting of the news is essential.balancereportbeeven-handed giving fair and equal treatment to everyone, especially when it would be easy to favour one particular group: The drama takes an even-handed look at the consequences of violent crime, both on attackers and their victims.takehandconsequenceattackervictim | The film is even-handed and does not try to make you support either side.behanddoequitable /ˈekwətəbəl, ˈekwɪtəbəl/ formal giving equal treatment to everyone involved: We need an equitable solution to this problem. | a more equitable distribution of wealth
fairnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesfairfairsfairfair2 noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: feire, from Latin feriae ‘holidays’ 1 (also funfair British English) a form of outdoor entertainment, at which there are large machines to ride on and games in which you can win prizes SYN carnival American English2American English an outdoor event, at which there are large machines to ride on, games to play, and sometimes farm animals being judged and soldstate/county fair3book/antiques/craft/trade etc fair an event at which people or businesses show and sell their products:
the Frankfurt Book Fairan antiques fairantiquea trade fair (=where companies show their newest products)a craft fair (=where people sell handmade products such as jewellery, paintings etc)4job/careers fair an event where people go to get information about different kinds of jobs5British English an outdoor event with games and things to eat and drink, usually organized to get money for a school, club etc SYN fête6British English old-fashioned a market where animals and farm products are sold: a horse fairTHESAURUSexhibition an event at which a collection of paintings, interesting objects etc are shown to the public for a period of time: All the photographs in the exhibition are for sale.photographbe | The Great Outdoors Exhibition is a great place to find out about new outdoors activities.beactivityshow an exhibition. Show is less formal than exhibition. It can be used about small events as well as big public ones: The artist is preparing a show at the Museum of Modern Art.beprepare | He is putting on a one-man show in a local gallery.beput | a trade show | the London Motor Show at Earl’s Courtexhibit American English an exhibition: an exhibit of Western paintings and sculpturespaintingsculpturefair an event at which people or businesses show or sell their products, which is often not open to the public: the Frankfurt Book Fair for publishers and the mediapublishermediumexposition a large and important public event at which people or businesses show or sell their products: 177 galleries from nineteen countries will take part in the Chicago International Art Exposition.gallerycountry
fairadverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesfairfairfair3 S2 W3 adverbWord family1win (something)/beat somebody fair and squareSTRAIGHT to win a competition, sports match etc honestly and without cheating2play fairHONEST to do something in a fair and honest way: In international trade, very few countries play fair.country
verb [transitive not in progressive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: suspectare, from the past participle of suspicere ‘to look up at, admire, distrust’, from sub- ‘up, secretly’ + specere ‘to look at’ Verb form1SUSPECTto think that something is probably true, especially something badsuspect (that)
I suspected that there was something wrong with the engine.suspectbeShe strongly suspected he was lying to her.suspectbelieShe’s not going to be very happy about this, I suspect.go2to think that something bad has happened or is happening: The doctors suspected pneumonia.doctorsuspectsuspect murder/foul playThe position of the body led the police to suspect murder.leadsuspect something/nothing/anythingHe never suspected anything.suspect3SUSPECTto think that someone is probably guilty of a crime: Who do you suspect?suspect somebody of (doing) somethingHe’s suspected of murder.suspectPilcher was suspected of giving away government secrets to the enemy.besuspectgivesecret4THINK SO/NOT BE SUREto think that something is not honest or true: I began to suspect his motives in inviting me.beginmotiveinvite
suspectnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessuspectsuspectssuspectsus‧pect2 /ˈsʌspekt/ noun [countable]Word family1SUSPECTsomeone who is thought to be guilty of a crime: Two suspects were arrested today in connection with the robbery.suspectbearrestPolice have issued a description of the murder suspect.issuesuspect forthe two suspects for the robberysuspectsuspect ina suspect in a burglary casemain/prime/chief suspectDavies is still the chief suspect.be2the usual suspects the people or things that are usually involved in or responsible for a particular activity: a wine shop stocking all the usual suspects: wines from California, France, AustraliastocksuspectwineCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + suspect the prime/chief/main suspect She didn’t realise he was the prime suspect in a murder case.bethe number one suspect (=the main suspect) I was the one who found her. And that makes me the number one suspect for her murder.befindmakenumba murder/burglary etc suspect The murder suspect is described as in his early 20s, wearing a baseball type cap and a dark jacket.bedescribeweara possible suspect Thr police drew up a list of possible subjects.drawsubjectverbsarrest/detain a suspect Detectives arrested the suspect after a five-day undercover operation.detectivearrestquestion/interrogate/interview a suspect Police confirmed that six suspects are being questioned.confirmsuspectbebequestion
suspectadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessuspectsuspectsuspect3 adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin, past participle of suspicere; → SUSPECT1 1SUSPECTnot likely to be completely honest SYN dodgy:
I’ve always thought he was a bit of a suspect character.thinkbebiteThe company was involved in some highly suspect business dealings.beinvolvedealing2not likely to be completely true: The two men were convicted on the basis of some highly suspect evidence.manbeconvict3likely to have problems and not work well: The engine sounded a bit suspect.soundbite4[only before noun] likely to contain a bomb or something illegal or dangerous: Police were called in to check out a suspect van.becall
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: ante, from Latin amita FAMILYthe sister of your father or mother, or the wife of your father’s or mother’s brother:
Aunt Mary → agony aunt
noun
1in advance (of something)BEFORE before something happens or is expected to happen: I should warn you in advance that I’m not a very good dancer.shallMany thanks, in advance, for your help.thanksix months/a year etc in advanceBook tickets 21 days in advance.ticketdayCould you distribute copies well in advance of the meeting?cancopymeet2be in advance of somebody/something to be more developed or modern than someone or something else: Their aircraft were in advance of those used by the US.beuse3development/improvementPROGRESS [countable] a change, discovery, or invention that brings progresstechnological/scientific/medical etc advanceone of the great technological advances of the 20th centuryadvancea major advanceadvance inRecent advances in genetics have raised moral questions.advanceraisequestionadvance onan advance on previous treatmentstreatmentthe advances made in the understanding of mental handicapadvancemakeunderstand4forward movement [countable]FORWARD forward movement or progress of a group of people – used especially to talk about soldiersadvance onthe enemy’s advance on St. Petersburg5money [countable usually singular]PAY FOR money paid to someone before the usual time, especially someone’s salary: a $500 advanceadvance onKrebs decided to ask for an advance on his salary.decide6advances [plural] formal an attempt to start a sexual relationship with someone: She accused her boss of making advances to her.accusemakeadvanceThe witness said that he ‘went berserk’ when she rejected his sexual advances.saygorejectadvance7increaseINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT [countable] an increase in the price or value of something – used especially when talking about the stock exchangeTHESAURUSprogress noun [uncountable] /ˈprəʊɡres $ ˈprɑː-/ the process of getting better at doing something, or getting closer to finishing or achieving something: a test of the students' progress.student | We have made good progress towards meeting our objectives.makemeetobjectiveadvance noun [countable usually plural] /ədˈvɑːns $ ədˈvæns/ a discovery, invention, or change that brings progress: the technological advances of the twentieth centuryadvance | advances in scientific knowledgeadvance | In recent years there have been enormous economic and social advances.yearbeadvancebreakthrough noun [countable] /ˈbreɪkθruː/ an important discovery or achievement that makes progress possible, especially one that happens suddenly after a long period of trying: Scientists have described the discovery as a major breakthrough.scientistdescribe | The breakthrough in the investigation came when police found a stolen car.comefindstealmake headway to make progress towards achieving something – used especially when it is difficult to make progress: After several months of discussion, the committee had made little headway.monthhavemake
advanceverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesadvanceadvancesadvancedadvancingadvanceadvance2 W3 verb
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: avancier, from Vulgar Latin abantiare, from Latin abante ‘before’ Verb form1move forwardFORWARD [intransitive] to move towards someone or something, especially in a slow and determined way – used especially to talk about soldiers:
A line of US tanks slowly advanced.tankadvanceadvance onTroops advanced on the rebel stronghold (=moved towards it in order to attack it).troopadvanceadvance across/through/towardsThe army advanced across the plain.advance2developPROGRESS [intransitive and transitive] if scientific or technical knowledge advances, or if something advances it, it develops and improves: Our understanding of human genetics has advanced considerably.understandhaveadvanceThe group’s research has done much to advance our knowledge of the HIV virus.havedo3moneyPAY FOR [transitive] to give someone money before they have earned itadvance somebody somethingWill they advance you some money until you get your first paycheck?advance something to somebodyI advanced $1,500 to Kramer last Thursday.advance4advance your career/a cause/your interests etcSUCCESSFUL to do something that will help you achieve an advantage or success for yourself or someone else: Jameson agreed to the deal in an effort to advance his political career.agree5priceINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT [intransitive] if the price or value of something advances, it increases – used especially when talking about the stock exchange6time/dateBEFORE [transitive] formal to change the time or date when an event should happen to an earlier time or date: The meeting has been advanced to ten o'clock.meethavebeadvance7machine [intransitive and transitive] formal if you advance a film, clock, musical recording etc, or if it advances, it goes forward → advancing
advanceadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesadvanceadvanceadvance3 adjective1advance planning/warning/booking etcBEFORE planning etc that is done before an event: We received no advance warning of the storm.receivewarn2advance party/teamBEFORE a group of people who go first to a place where something will happen to prepare for it3advance copy a copy of a book, record etc that has not yet been made available to the public
adjective (comparative stranger, superlative strangest)Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: estrange ‘foreign’, from Latin extraneus; → EXTRANEOUS 1STRANGEMYSTERIOUSunusual or surprising, especially in a way that is difficult to explain or understand SYN odd:
strange noisesnoiseDoes Geoff’s behaviour seem strange to you?doShe felt there was something strange about Dexter’s voice.feelbeIsn’t it strange how animals seem to sense danger?animalIt’s strange that we’ve never met before.meetFor some strange reason, I slept like a baby despite the noise.sleepStrange as it may seem, I actually prefer cold weather.That’s strange. I was sure Jude was right here a second ago.bebeThe strange thing is all four victims had red hair.bevictimhavestrange to say British English (=strangely)Strange to say, I was just thinking that myself.bethink2STRANGEsomeone or something that is strange is not familiar because you have not seen or met them before: As a child, she’d been taught never to speak to strange men.beteachmanI was just 20, a young girl in a strange city.bestrange toIt was all strange to him, but he’d soon learn his way around.be3feel strangeILLNESS/DISEASE to feel as if something is slightly wrong or unusual, either physically or emotionally: Can you get me a glass of water? I feel a bit strange.biteIt felt strange to be back in Dublin.feel—strangenessstrangenessesstrangeness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSstrange unusual or surprising, especially in a way that is difficult to understand, or that is a little frightening: What’s that strange noise downstairs? | That’s strange – I’m sure I left my keys on the table.leavekey | a strange old manfunny/odd especially spoken a little strange and making you feel slightly surprised or worried: There’s a funny smell in the kitchen. | It’s odd that you can’t remember him at all.curious especially written strange, especially in an interesting way. Curious is a little more formal than strange: a curious fact | There’s something rather curious about small-town America. | She remembered curious little details.rememberdetailmysterious strange – used about something that people know little about and are unable to explain or understand: He had disappeared in mysterious circumstances.havedisappearcircumstance | There were reports of mysterious lights in the sky.bereportlighteccentric strange in a way that seems slightly crazy and amusing – used about people and their behaviour: He lived completely alone and had some slightly eccentric habits.livehavehabit | an eccentric old ladypeculiar slightly strange, and different from what you would normally expect – used especially when this is either amusing or worrying: She sometimes wears rather peculiar clothes.wearclothe | He had a peculiar expression on his face.havevery strangeweird very strange or very different from what you are used to: I had a weird dream last night.have | It’s a weird and wonderful place.bizarre extremely strange and different from what is usually considered normal: It was a bizarre situation.be | Mark’s behaviour was really bizarre.besurreal extremely strange and unconnected with real life or normal experiences, like something out of a dream: His paintings are full of surreal images.paintingbeimage | There is something surreal about the climate change talks in Bali.betalk | The plant’s flowers were so big that they seemed almost surrealflowerbeseemuncanny very strange – used especially about someone having an unusual ability to do something, or looking surprisingly similar to someone: She had an uncanny knack (=ability) of putting her finger right on a problem.haveput | Alice had an uncanny resemblance to Josie.have | his uncanny ability to pick racing winnersracewinner
strangeadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesstrangestrangestrange2 adverb [only after verb] American English UNUSUALin a way that is unusual or surprising SYN strangely: The cat’s been acting really strange – I wonder if it’s sick.beact
verb (past tense and past participle split, present participle splitting)
Date: 1500-1600Language: Dutch
Origin: splitten Verb form1disagree [intransitive and transitive]SEPARATE if a group of people splits, or if it is split, people in the group disagree strongly with each other and the group sometimes divides into separate smaller groups:
It was feared that the issue would split the church.befearwillbe split on/over somethingThe party is split over the issue of immigration.beThe government appears deeply split on this issue.appearsplit fromThe Pan-Africanist Congress split from the ANC in 1959.split something in two/down the middleThe war has split the nation in two.have2separate into parts (also split up) [intransitive and transitive]SEPARATE to divide or separate something into different parts or groups, or to be divided into different parts or groupssplit intoCan you split into groups of three now?groupsplit something into somethingThe book is split into six sections.besection3break or tear [intransitive and transitive]BREAKTEAR if something splits, or if you split it, it tears or breaks along a straight line: The branch split under their weight.One of the boxes had split open.boxhavesplit (something) in two/halfThe board had split in two.haveSplit the pineapple down the middle.4share [transitive]SHARE to divide something into separate parts and share it between two or more peoplesplit something between somebody/somethingProfits will be split between three major charities.profitcharitysplit something with somebodyHe agreed to sell the car and split the proceeds with his brother.agreeproceedsplit something three/four etc ways (=share something between three, four etc people or groups)The money will have to be split three ways.wayWe agreed to split the cost.agree5injure [transitive]CUT to make someone’s head or lip have a cut in it, as a result of a fall or hit: She fell against a table and split her lip.fallThe force of the blow nearly split his head open.6end relationship (also split up) [intransitive] informal if people split, they end a marriage or relationship with each othersplit with/fromHe split from his wife last year.The band split two years ago.year7leave [intransitive] old-fashioned informalLEAVE A PLACE to leave a place quickly: Come on – let’s split.8split hairsARGUE to argue that there is a difference between two things, when the difference is really too small to be important: This is just splitting hairs.besplithair9split the differenceAGREE to agree on an amount that is exactly between two amounts that have been mentioned: OK, let’s split the difference, and I’ll give you £20.10split your sidesLAUGH informal to laugh a great dealsplit off phrasal verb1SEPARATE (also split away) if one part of something splits off from the rest, it becomes completely separate from itsplit off fromA huge lump of rock had split off from the cliff face.have2(also split away) if a small group of people split off from a larger group, they become separate from itsplit off fromThe group split away from the Green Party and formed the Environmental Alliance.form3BREAKsplit something ↔ off to separate one part of something and make it completely separate from the restsplit something ↔ off fromThis part of the business has now been split off from the main company.havebesplit on somebody phrasal verb British English informal TELLto tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone else has done: Don’t you dare split on us!split up phrasal verb1RELATIONSHIPDIVORCEif people split up, or if someone splits them up, they end a marriage or relationship with each other: Steve’s parents split up when he was four.parentbesplit up withI thought she’d split up with her boyfriend.thinksplit somebody ↔ upWhy would she try to split us up?will2SEPARATEto divide people into different groups, or to be divided into groups: Please don’t split up when we get to the museum.split something/somebody ↔ upThe teacher split up the class into three groups.group3split something ↔ up to divide something into different partssplit something ↔ up intoThe house has now been split up into individual flats.havebeflat
splitnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessplitsplitssplitsplit2 noun [countable]
1tearHOLE a tear or crack in something made of cloth, wood etcsplit ina long split in the sleeve of his coat2disagreementARGUE a serious disagreement that divides an organization or group of people into smaller groups SYN riftsplit in/withinThe argument could lead to a damaging split in the party.candamagea deep split within the governmentsplit betweena split between the radicals and the moderates within the groupradicalmoderatesplit overThe union is desperate to avoid a split over this issue.be3end of relationship informal the end of a marriage or relationship - used especially in newspapers and magazines: rumours of a marriage splitrumoursplit withShe seems to be getting over her recent split with her fiancé.seemget4dividing somethingSHARE the way in which something, especially money, is shared between several people: In a publishing deal, the average split used to be 50:50 between writer and publisher.publishusethree-way/four-way etc split (=when something is shared equally between three, four etc people)a three-way split in the profitsprofit5separation informalDIFFERENT a clear separation or difference between two thingssplit betweenthe traditional split between the state and church6do the splits to spread your legs wide apart so that your legs touch the floor along their whole length
adjectiveWord family considered right or suitable by most people: Having more than one wife is a normal and accepted practice in some countries.havebeacceptcountrygenerally/widely/universally etc acceptedgenerally accepted principles of fairness and justiceacceptprinciple
verb (past tense and past participle replied, present participle replying, third person singular replies)Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: replier ‘to fold again’, from Latin replicare, from plicare ‘to fold’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]ANSWER/REPLY to answer someone by saying or writing something:
I asked Clive where he was going, but he didn’t reply.askbegoSorry it took me so long to reply.take‘Did you see Simon today?’ ‘Of course,’ Nathalie replied with a smile.doreplyreply toHas Ian replied to your letter yet?havereplyreply thatMills replied that he was staying at his parents’ flat.millreplybestayparentRegisterReply is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say answer: You haven’t replied to my question. ➔ You haven’t answered my question.2[intransitive]REACT to react to an action by doing something elsereply (to something) with somethingThe rebel troops replied to government threats with increased violence.troopreplythreatincreaseTHESAURUSanswer to say something to someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you: You don’t have to answer the question if you don’t want to. | I said hello to her, but she didn’t answer.sayreply to answer someone. Used especially in written English to report what someone said: ‘I’m so sorry,’ he replied.reply | We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.askreplyberespond formal to answer someone: How do you respond to the allegation that you deliberately deceived your employers?deceiveemployergive somebody an answer to answer someone by telling them what you have decided or giving them a piece of information they asked for: He asked me to marry him, but I didn’t give him an answer straight away.askget back to somebody to answer someone at a later time especially by telephoning them, usually because you need to think about their question or find out more information: She’s promised to get back to me as soon as she hears any more news from the hospital.promisehearretort written to answer someone angrily, especially because they have annoyed you or criticized you: ‘You’re not afraid?’ Brenda asked. ‘Of course not,’ he retorted angrily.askretort
replynounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesreplyrepliesreplyreply2 S3 W3 noun (plural replies) [countable]1ANSWER/REPLYREACTsomething that is said, written, or done as a way of replying SYN answer: I tried calling, but there was no reply.trycallbereply toWe still haven’t received a reply to our letter.receiveStephen made no reply.makeRegisterReply is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say answer.I tried calling but there was no answer.trycallbe2in reply (to something) formalANSWER/REPLY as a way of replying to something: I am writing in reply to your letter of 1st June.bewrite3without reply British English if a sports team gets a number of points or goals without reply, their opponents do not scoreTHESAURUSanswer something you say when someone asks you a question or speaks to you: I asked if he wanted to come, but I didn’t get an answer.askwant | If you’re asking me for money, the answer’s no!askreply an answer. Used especially in written English to report what someone said: She asked how he felt, and received the reply, ‘Awful!’askfeelreceive | ‘Finished now?’ ‘No,' came the reply.finishcomeresponse an answer that clearly shows your reaction to a question, suggestion etc: Wagner’s responses showed that he had thought carefully about the issues.responseshowhavethinkissue | ‘Sure. Why not?’ was his response to most of Billie’s suggestions.besuggestionretort written an angry answer given when someone has annoyed you or criticized you: Isabelle began an angry retort and then stopped herself.beginstopcomeback a quick answer that is clever, funny, or rude: He walked out before I could think of a snappy comeback.walkcanriposte formal a quick and clever answer: Anna produced the perfect riposte.producerejoinder formal a quick answer, especially a clever or rude one: If he confronts them, he’ll run the risk of a sharp rejoinder.confront
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: sectio, from secare ‘to cut’ 1place/object [countable]PART one of the parts that something such as an object or place is divided intosection of
a busy section of roadthe reference section of the libraryThe plane’s tail section was found in a cornfield.befindthe smoking section (=where you can smoke)smoke2part of a whole [countable]PART one of the separate parts of a structure, piece of furniture etc that you fit together to form the wholein sectionsThe boats were built in Scotland, and transported to Egypt in sections.boatbebuildtransportsection3book/newspaper/report [countable] a separate part of a book, newspaper, document, report etc: This issue will be discussed further in section two.discussfarsports/style/business/travel etc section (=particular part of a newspaper)4group of people [countable]GROUP OF PEOPLE a separate group within a larger group of peoplesection ofa large section of the American public5brass/rhythm/woodwind/string etc section the people or person in a band or orchestra who play the brass, rhythm etc instruments6law [countable] one of the parts of a law or a legal document: Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution7side/top view [uncountable and countable] technical a picture that shows what a building, part of the body etc would look like if it were cut from top to bottom or side to side → cross-sectionin sectionHere’s the outside view, and here are the floors in section.befloor8medical/scientific technical a)[uncountable and countable] a medical operation that involves cutting → caesarean section at caesarean b)[countable] a very thin flat piece that is cut from skin, a plant etc to be looked at under a microscope9area of land [countable] American EnglishTOWN a square area of land in the US that is one mile long on each side10mathematics [countable] technical the shape that is made when a solid figure is cut by a flat surface in mathematics
sectionverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriessectionsectionssectionedsectioningsectionsection2 AC verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1British English to officially force someone with a mental illness to go to a psychiatric hospital, because they are dangerous to themselves or other people2to separate something into parts: Peel and section the oranges.orange3technical or medicalCUT to cut a very thin flat piece from skin, a plant etc so that you can look at it under a microscope4medical to cut a part of the body in a medical operationsection something ↔ off phrasal verb SEPARATEto divide an area into parts, especially by putting something between the parts: The vegetable plots were sectioned off by a low wall.plotbesection
verb (past tense and past participle denied, present participle denying, third person singular denies) [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: denier, from Latin negare ‘to deny’ Verb form1say something is not trueSAY/STATE to say that something is not true, or that you do not believe something → denialdeny (that)
I’ve never denied that there is a housing problem.denybehouseI can’t deny her remarks hurt me.remarkdeny doing somethingTwo men have denied murdering a woman at a remote picnic spot.mandenymurderstrongly/vehemently/strenuously etc deny somethingJackson vehemently denied the allegations.denyallegationThe government denied the existence of poverty among 16- and 17-year-olds.denydeny a charge/allegation/claimThe men have denied charges of theft.mandenycharge2not allowREFUSE to refuse to allow someone to have or do something: landowners who deny access to the countrysidelandownerdeny somebody somethingShe could deny her son nothing.candeny something to somebodyThis is the only country in Europe to deny cancer screening to its citizens.bescreencitizen3there’s no denying (that/something) spokenCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY used to say that it is very clear that something is true: There’s no denying that this is an important event.denybe4feelingsADMIT to refuse to admit that you are feeling something: Emotions can become destructive if they are suppressed and denied.emotionbesuppressdeny5deny yourself (something)NOT HAVE to decide not to have something that you would like, especially for moral or religious reasons: He denied himself all pleasures and luxuries.denypleasureluxuryCOLLOCATIONSdeny + NOUNdeny a charge/allegation Officials denied allegations that torture was widespread.officialdenyallegationbedeny any involvement in something The chairman denied any involvement in the affair.denydeny all knowledge of something CIA officers denied all knowledge of the operation.officerdenydeny a fact You can’t deny the fact that we made a mistake.makedeny a rumour Their chief executive denied rumours of the company’s decline.denyrumourdeny a claim Claims that money had been wasted were denied by the chairman of the committee.claimhavebewastbedenydeny the existence of something The government has denied the existence of any political prisoners in the country.havedenyprisonerdeny any wrongdoing formal (=illegal or immoral behaviour) The White House denied any wrongdoing.denyadverbsstrongly/firmly deny something Reports of government corruption have been strongly denied.reportbedenyvehemently/vigorously/strenuously deny something (=very strongly) He vehemently denied that he had ever been to her house.denyhavebeflatly/categorically deny something (=very definitely and directly) In the interview, he flatly denied that charge.denyhotly deny something (=in an angry or excited way) She hotly denied ever having taken drugs.denyhavetakedrugrepeatedly deny something King has repeatedly denied being a gang member.havedenybeTHESAURUSrefuse to say firmly that you will not do something that someone has asked you to do: I asked the bank for a loan, but they refused.askrefuse | When they refused to leave, we had to call the police.refusehavesay no spoken to say that you will not do something when someone asks you: They asked me so nicely that I couldn’t really say no.askturn somebody/something down to refuse to accept an offer or invitation, or a formal request: They offered me the job but I turned it down.offerturn | The board turned down a request for $25,000 to sponsor an art exhibition.turn | I’ve already been turned down by three colleges.beturncollegereject to refuse to accept an idea, offer, suggestion, or plan: They rejected the idea because it would cost too much money.rejectwill | The Senate rejected a proposal to limit the program to two years.rejectyeardecline formal to politely refuse to accept an offer or invitation, or refuse to do something: She has declined all offers of help.havedeclineoffer | A palace spokesman declined to comment on the rumours.declinerumourdeny to refuse to allow someone to do something or enter somewhere: They were denied permission to publish the book.bedeny | He was denied access to the US.bedenyveto to officially refuse to allow a law or plan, or to refuse to accept someone’s suggestion: Congress vetoed the bill.veto | The suggestion was quickly vetoed by the other members of the team.bevetomemberdisallow to officially refuse to accept something because someone has broken the rules, or not done it in the correct way: The goal was disallowed by the referee.bedisallow | The court decided to disallow his evidence.deciderebuff formal to refuse to accept someone’s offer, request, or suggestion: The company raised its offer to $6 billion, but was rebuffed.raisebe | He was politely rebuffed when he suggested holding the show in Dublin.besuggestholdgive somebody/something the thumbs down informal to refuse to allow or accept a plan or suggestion: The plan was given the thumbs down by the local authority.begivethumb | They gave us the thumbs down.givethumb
noun [uncountable]
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: estoffe, from estoffer ‘to provide with things needed’ 1things informalSUBSTANCE used when you are talking about things such as substances, materials, or groups of objects when you do not know what they are called, or it is not important to say exactly what they are:
I’ve got some sticky stuff on my shoe.getHow do you think you’re going to fit all that stuff into the car?goI felt sorry for the ones who had to eat the awful stuff.feelonehaveWhere’s all the camping stuff?camp2sb’s stuff informal the things that belong to someone: Did you get the rest of your stuff?do3activities/ideas informal used when talking about different activities, subjects, or ideas, when you do not say exactly what these are: What kind of stuff do you like to read?I’ve got so much stuff to do this weekend.getThere’s a lot of interesting stuff in this book.interestHe’s talked to me about all that stuff too.talkHe does mountain biking and skiing, and stuff like that.dobikeski4work/art informal used when you are talking about what someone has done or made, for example writing, music, or art: I don’t like his stuff.John Lee was getting ready to play his stuff.begetHe did some great stuff in his early films.dofilmgood stuff British English (=used to tell someone that their work is good)This is good stuff.be5... and stuff spoken informal used to say that there are other things similar to what you have just mentioned, but you are not going to say what they are: There’s some very good music there, CD systems and stuff, and laser disks.systemdisk6the (very) stuff of dreams/life/politics exactly the kind of thing that dreams etc consist of: an enchanting place – the very stuff of dreamsenchantdream7characterCHARACTER/PERSONALITY the qualities of someone’s character: Does he have the right stuff (=qualities that make you able to deal with difficulties)?doSurely you’re not going to give up? I thought you were made of sterner stuff (=were more determined).gothinkbemakestern8do/show your stuff informalSHOW OFF to do what you are good at when everyone wants you to do it: Come on Gina, get on the dance floor and do your stuff! → bit of stuff at bit1(14), → kid’s stuff at kid1(4), → know your stuff at know1(5), → strut your stuff at strut1(2)GrammarStuff is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. Use a singular verb after it: Most of my stuff is still in packing cases.bepackcase
stuffverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstuffstuffsstuffedstuffingstuffstuff2 verb [transitive]
Verb form1push [always + adverb/preposition]PUSH to push or put something into a small space, especially in a quick careless way SYN shovestuff something into/in/up somethingShe stuffed two more sweaters into her bag.stuffsweater2fillFULL to fill something until it is full: Volunteers were busy stuffing envelopes.volunteerbestuffenvelopebe stuffed with somethinga pillow stuffed with feathersstufffeatherboxes stuffed full of papersboxstuffpaper3food to fill a chicken, pepper etc with a mixture of bread or rice, onion etc before cooking it4dead animal to fill the skin of a dead animal in order to make the animal look still alive: a stuffed owlstuff5stuff yourself (also stuff your face) informalEAT to eat so much food that you cannot eat anything elsestuff yourself withThe kids have been stuffing themselves with candy.kidbestuff6get stuffed British English spokenREJECT/NOT ACCEPT used to tell someone very rudely and angrily that you do not want to talk to them or accept their offer: He only offered me £10 for it, so I told him to get stuffed.offertellstuff7somebody can stuff something spokenWANT# used to say very angrily or rudely that you do not want what someone is offering: ‘All right. You can stuff your money!’ Reynolds exploded.explode8stuff it spoken used to say angrily or rudely that you do not care about something or do not want something: I thought, stuff it, I’ll do what I want.think
nounWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Greek
Origin: politika (plural), from politikos; → POLITIC 1[U also + plural verb British English]POLITICS ideas and activities relating to gaining and using power in a country, city etc → political, politician:
a good understanding of politics in Chinaunderstandmodern American politicsPolitics have always interested Anita.interestnational/local etc politicsBrooke’s been involved in city politics since college.beinvolveThe president should stand above party politics (=working only for your political party).shall2[uncountable]POLITICS the profession of being a politician: Flynn retired from politics in 1986.retireHer father’s trying to enter politics.trySmith went into politics in his early twenties.gotwenty3[plural] the activities of people who are concerned with gaining personal advantage within a group, organization etc: I’m tired of dealing with all of the office politics.tiredealHer art examines sexual politics (=how power is shared between men and women).examinepolitics ofthe politics of race and class at American universitiesuniversity4[plural]POLITICS someone’s political beliefs and opinions: I assume her politics must be fairly conservative.5[uncountable] especially British English the study of political power and systems of government SYN political science: Tom is studying for a degree in politics.bestudyCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + politicsnational politics Mark had always been keen to have a career in national politics.havebelocal politics Ann is very active in local politics.beinternational politics The two superpowers that dominated international politics.superpowerdominateworld/global politics There was much going on in world politics at the time.begodomestic politics (=within a country) The war had a major impact on the country’s domestic politics.haveparty politics (=trying to make your party successful) He believes that party politics has no place in local government.believehavepower politics (=attempting to get power by using or threatening to use force) The party argued that power politics would always lead to war.arguewillphrasesbe involved in politics After university, he became involved in local politics.becomeinvolvetake part in politics Young people should be encouraged to take part in politics.shallencouragebe active in politics (=be involved in) I was very active in politics before I retired.beretireinterfere/meddle in politics He warned the army against interfering in politics.warninterfereTHESAURUSright-wing adjective a right-wing person or group wants low taxes, a strong army and police force, and the individual to be free from government interference as much as possible: right-wing political partiesparty | Some of his supporters are very right-wing.supporterbe | right-wing policies on gun controlpolicyleft-wing adjective a left-wing person or group wants the government to make society more equal by increasing taxes for rich people, and taking control of important industries and services: a left-wing newspaperleave | His views are very left-wing.viewbeleavegreen adjective [usually before noun] supporting policies and principles which will protect the environment: green politicianspolitician | the Green Party | The government is under pressure to improve its green credentials (=to seem more like it wants to protect the environment).becredentialradical adjective supporting political ideas that will involve great change: radical politicianspolitician | a radical economic reform programmeliberal adjective supporting political ideas that will allow people to have greater freedom: They want the government to have a more liberal policy on drugs.drugmoderate adjective having political opinions which are not extreme: People generally become more moderate as they get older.old | The bill is supported by moderate Republicans.besupportrepublicanextreme adjective having political opinions which are considered to be very unreasonable by many people: His views on immigration are very extreme.viewbe | an extreme right-wing organization
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: praevius ‘leading the way’, from via ‘way’ 1[only before noun]BEFORE having happened or existed before the event, time, or thing that you are talking about now:
I’ve met him before on two previous occasions.meetoccasionShe has two children from a previous marriage.havechildDo you have any previous experience of this type of work?The lawyer told the judge that Kennedy had no previous convictions.tellhaveconviction2the previous day/chapter/owner etc the one that came immediately before the one you are talking about now: I had met them the previous day.havemeetas we said in the previous chaptersayThe trees had been planted by the previous owner.treehavebeplant3previous to somethingBEFORE formal before a particular time or event: There were almost no women MPs previous to 1945.bewomanTHESAURUSprevious [only before noun] used when talking about a person, thing, time etc before the one that you are talking about now: The car’s previous owner didn’t take very good care of it. | Please ignore my previous instructions.instruction | The temperature is higher than in previous years.behighyearlast [only before noun] used when talking about the one that you had just before now, or the one that existed just before now: The last apartment we lived in was much smaller than this one.livebesmall | Ben’s last girlfriend was a teacher.be | Beth broke up with her last boyfriend because he drank too much.breakdrinkold [only before noun] used when talking about people you knew or things you had in the past, or about things that existed in the past and have been replaced by newer things: I never liked my old boss.like | I saw Phil with one of my old girlfriends.seegirlfriend | The new stadium is much bigger than the old one.bebig | He was my old maths teacher.bemathpreceding [only before noun] formal coming just before the time or thing you have just mentioned, or before the part of a book where you are now: There were fewer crimes compared to the preceding year.becrimecompareprecede | The author dealt with this subject in the preceding chapters of the book.dealprecedechapter | In the preceding section of the poem, Whitman is talking about how important it is to live in the present.precedebetalkbeformer [only before noun] formal used to describe someone or something that used to have a particular job or position but does not any more: her former husband | the former US President | Kyoto was the former capital of Japan.beex-wife/boyfriend/soldier etc someone who used to be someone’s wife, used to be a soldier etc, but is not any more: Her dad’s an ex-policeman. | Lydia is still friends with her ex-husband.befriendthe one before the person or thing that existed before the one you have just mentioned: I didn’t enjoy Spielberg’s last film but I thought the one before was all right.thinkbe | Each year, the convention is a little larger than the one before.belarge
adjective [no comparative] IMPORTANTvery important or necessary: China’s support is key to the success of the coalition.bekey factor/points/questions etcThe President makes all the key decisions on foreign policy.makedecisionkey role/player/figure etc (=one with a lot of influence on a result)The show has been hit by the departure of key personnel.havebe → low-keyCOLLOCATIONSnounsa key factor (=a very important factor) A key factor in starting any business is its location.startbea key element/feature/component (=a very important part) Advertising is a key element in the success of a product.advertisebea key role Sanders played a key role in the team’s winning season.sanderplaywina key area What are the key areas of economic policy?beareaa key issue/question/point The environment became a key issue during the election.becomea key figure (=a key person) She was a key figure in the election campaign.bea key player He won’t leave key players out of the team.winplayera key witness (=someone who can give important information about a crime) She will be a key witness in the murder trial.a key decision Women made most of the key decisions about how money was spent in the household.womanmakedecisionbespenda key word (=an important or useful word) Once you know the key words, you can make your own sentence.word
keynounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleskeykeyskeykey2 S2 W2 noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: cæg
1lock a small specially shaped piece of metal that you put into a lock and turn in order to lock or unlock a door, start a car etchouse/car keysI lost my house keys.losekeyA bunch of keys hung from his belt.keyhangkey toI can lend you a spare key to the store until you get one cut (=made). ► Do not say ‘the key of’ something. Say the key to something. → master key2important partIMPORTANTBASICthe key the part of a plan, action etc that will make it possible for it to succeedthe key toWorking well as a team is the key to success.workbea discovery that may hold the key to our understanding of the universeunderstand3computer the buttons that you press on a computer keyboard to operate the computer: Press the ‘Escape’ key to exit.hot key/shortcut key (=a special key on a computer, that does specific things)4music a)[usually plural] the wooden or metal parts that you press on a piano and some wind instruments in order to play them: piano keyskey b)a scale of notes that begins with one particular note, or the quality of sound this scale has: a tune in the key of A minor5map/drawingEXPLAIN a list of the signs, colours etc used on a map or technical drawing etc that explains what they mean6testANSWER/REPLY the printed answers to a test or set of questions in a book7island [usually plural] a small flat island, especially one that is part of a group near the coast: the Florida KeyskeyCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + key a spare key (=an extra key) Never hide your spare key under the doormat.door key I’ll get a new door key cut for you.car keys She left her car keys on the hall table.leavekeyhouse keys I’ve lost my house keys.losekeythe front/back door key She felt in her pocket for the front door key.feelthe ignition key (=the key that starts a car or engine) Sam turned the ignition key and drove slowly away.turndrivephrasesa bunch/set of keys (=a group of keys kept together) He took out a huge bunch of keys and unlocked the door.takekeyunlockthe key to a door/house/cupboard (=the key that opens a door/house/cupboard) Has anyone seen the key to the garage door?haveseeverbsput a key in a lock/the door I put the key in the lock, but it wouldn’t turn.insert a key formal (=put it in a lock) She inserted the key into the lock.insertturn a key He climbed into his car and turned the key.climbturncut a key (=make one) Could you get a key cut for me?canjangle your keys (=move them so they make a ringing sound) He walked off down the corridor, jangling his keys.walkjanglekeya key unlocks/opens something The largest key unlocks the front door.largeunlocka key turns We heard the key turn in the lock.hear
keyverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleskeykeyskeyedkeyingkeykey3 verb [transitive]Verb form1American English informal if you key a win for your team, you help it win a game because you play very well: Abdul keyed the game with three touchdowns.keytouchdown2British English to prepare a surface so that a covering such as paint will stick to itkey something ↔ in phrasal verb to put information into a computer or other machine, using buttons or a keyboard: Key in your password and press ‘Return’.key something to something phrasal verb American English1EQUALto make or change a system so that it works well with something else: The daycare hours are keyed to the needs of working parents.hourbekeyneedworkparent2if the level, price, or value of something is keyed to something else, it is related to it and they rise and fall at the same time: Pensions are keyed to the rate of inflation.pensionbekey → keyed up
adjective [only before noun]Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: past participle of joindre; → JOIN 1SHAREinvolving two or more people or groups, or owned or shared by them:
The two ministers have issued a joint statement.ministerissueBoth companies are involved in the joint development of a new medium-sized car.companybeinvolvesizeThe meal was a joint effort (=two or more people worked on it together).beManchester United and Arsenal are joint favourites to win the title (=are thought to have the same chance of winning).unitebefavouriteBoth parties must sign the form if the account is to be in joint names (=belong to two named people).partybename2joint venture a business activity begun by two or more people or companies working together3joint resolution law a decision or law agreed by both houses of the US Congress and signed by the president—jointlyjointly adverb: tenants who are jointly responsible for their renttenantberend
jointnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesjointjointsjointjoint2 noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: jointe, from joindre; → JOIN 1a part of your body that can bend because two bones meet thereknee/neck/hip/elbow etc joint
a permanently damaged knee jointdamage2British English a large piece of meat, usually containing a bonejoint ofa joint of beef3JOIN STH TOGETHERa place where two things or parts of an object are joined together: What should I use to seal the joint between the carport roof and the house wall?shall4out of joint a)if a bone in your body is out of joint, it has been pushed out of its correct position b)EFFECTIVEif a system, group etc is out of joint, it is not working properly: Something is out of joint in our society.be → put sb’s nose out of joint at nose1(15)5informal a cheap bar, club, or restaurant: a hamburger joint → clip joint6informal a cigarette containing cannabis SYN spliff → case the joint at case2(2)
jointverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesjointjointsjointedjointingjointjoint3 verb [transitive]Verb form to cut meat into joints
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: maintenir, from Latin manu tenere ‘to hold in the hand’ Verb form1make something continueCONTINUE/NOT STOP to make something continue in the same way or at the same standard as before:
Careers Officers maintain contact with young people when they have left school.careerofficerleaveBritain wants to maintain its position as a world power.wantA lot depends on building and maintaining a good relationship with your customers.dependbuildmaintaincustomerThe hotel prides itself on maintaining high standards.pridemaintainstandardHow can we maintain control of spending?spend2level/rateCONTINUE/NOT STOP to make a level or rate of activity, movement etc stay the same: It is important to maintain a constant temperature inside the greenhouse.beThis is the most efficient way to build up and maintain a reasonable level of physical fitness.be3saySAY/STATE to strongly express your belief that something is true SYN claimmaintain (that)Critics maintain that these reforms will lead to a decline in educational standards.criticreformstandardmaintain your innocence (=say that you did not commit a crime)He maintained his innocence and said the allegations were ‘ridiculous’.maintainsayallegationbe4look after somethingLOOK AFTER STH to keep a machine, building etc in good condition by checking and repairing it regularly: The report found that safety equipment had been very poorly maintained.findhavebemaintainThe company is responsible for maintaining public telephone boxes.bemaintainbox5provide money/foodPAY FOR to provide someone with the things they need, such as money or food SYN provide for: How can you maintain a family on $900 a month?THESAURUSclaim to say that something is true, even though it has not been proved: He claims that he didn’t see anything.claim | She claims to be a descendant of Charles Dickens.claimallege to claim that someone did something wrong or illegal, although you do not give any proof: It is alleged that he murdered his wife.beallegemurder | Patients allege that the two firms failed to warn doctors about the dangers of taking the drugs over a long period.patientfirmfaildoctordangertakedrugmaintain to repeatedly say that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you: He continued to maintain his innocence, even after he was sent to prison.continuebesend | My mother always maintains that I learned to talk at six months.maintainlearnmonthinsist to say very firmly that something is true: She insists that Tom was there, although he denies it.insistbedeny | Turkey insists that there is more than enough water in the two rivers for all three countries.insistberivercountryassert formal to state that something is true – used especially in formal writing when reporting someone’s opinion: They assert that children work better on their own.childwell | The Environment Minister asserted that one third of the country’s cities had major pollution problems.assertcityhaveproblemcontend formal to claim that something is true, especially when other people disagree with you: Lawyers contend that his back problems were due to an existing injury, not the accident.lawyerproblembeexist | It is possible, as Kennedy contends, that her medical condition is caused by her work.becontendbecause
nounWord family1[countable usually singular]LOOK FOR an attempt to find someone or somethingsearch forBad weather is hampering the search for survivors.behampersurvivorsearch ofTwo more bodies were found after a search of the woods.bodybefindwood2[countable] a series of actions done by a computer to find informationsearch ofa computerized search of 10,000 medical journalscomputerizejournalA search found 46 websites.findwebsitean online searchperform/run/do a searchDo a search on ‘rabbit’ and see what it brings up.bring3in search of something looking for something: Mark went in search of water.go4[singular]FIND OUT an attempt to find an explanation or solutionsearch forthe search for a cureCOLLOCATIONSverbscarry out a search (also conduct a search formal) Police have carried out a search of his home.carrylaunch/mount a search (=start a search) A massive search was launched for the former soldier.belaunchcall off/abandon a search They called off the search when it got dark.callgetADJECTIVES/NOUN + searcha thorough/careful search We conducted a thorough search of the building.conductbuilda painstaking search (=a very careful search) Police officers carried out a painstaking search of the area around the house.officercarrya systematic search (=one done in an organized way) They set about a systematic search of the ship.a desperate/frantic search After the war, many people returned to rural areas in a desperate search for food.returnareaa fruitless search (=an unsuccessful one) I spent many hours in a fruitless search for accommodation.spendhoura police search Her disappearance sparked a massive police search.sparka nationwide search (=in every part of a country) Kim was missing for two months, prompting a nationwide search.bemissmonthprompta house-to-house search (=a search of every house or building in an area) Police are conducting house-to-house searches in the area where the girl disappeared.beconductsearchdisappeara fingertip search British English (=a careful search for clues by police officers) Police have started a fingertip search of the area and appealed for witnesses.startappealwitnessphrasesthe search is on (=people are trying to find someone or something) The search is on for someone with the same blood type.bea search is underway (=it has started) A search is underway for two walkers in the Cairngorm mountains.bewalkermountainsearch + NOUNthe search area The search area has now been widened.havebewidenTHESAURUSthings you do when using the Internetsurf the net verb to look quickly through information on the Internet, looking for anything that interests you: He spends his evenings surfing the net.spendeveningsurfsearch to look for a specific piece of information on the Internet, for example by entering text into a box: Try searching for his name on Google.searchshop/book online to buy things or reserve tickets using the Internet: More and more people are preferring to shop online.be | It’s easier to book online.easyvisit a website to look at a particular Internet site: You can check to see how many people visit your website.download to get files, programs, music, films etc from the Internet and put them on your own computer: I downloaded the software for free from the Internet.downloadchat to communicate with several people in a chat room on the Internet: Using the Internet, you can chat to people from around the world.use
searchverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessearchsearchessearchedsearchingsearchsearch2 W3 verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: cerchier ‘to go around, examine, search’, from Late Latin circare ‘to go around’, from Latin circum ‘around’ Verb form1looking [intransitive and transitive]LOOK FOR to try to find someone or something by looking very carefully:
It was too dark to search further.befarThe area was thoroughly searched.besearchsearch forAn RAF plane searched for the missing men.searchmissmanI’ve searched high and low (=everywhere) for my glasses.searchglasssearch something for somethingDetectives are searching the yard for clues.detectivebesearchcluesearch in/under/through etcAlice bent to search through a heap of clothes.bendclothe2computer [transitive] to use a computer to find informationsearch something for somethingSearch the Web for cheap flights.flight3person [transitive]LOOK FOR if someone in authority searches you or the things you are carrying, they look for things you might be hidingsearch somebody for somethingHe was searched by the guards for weapons.besearchguardweapon4solution [intransitive]LOOK FOR to try to find an explanation or solutionsearch forScientists are still searching for a cure.scientistbesearchShe paused, searching for inspiration.pausesearch5search me! spokenNOT KNOW used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to a question: ‘Where is she?’ ‘Search me!’be6examine [transitive]EXAMINE to examine something carefully in order to find something out, decide something etc: Anya searched his face anxiously.search—searchersearcherssearcher noun [countable]COLLOCATIONSadverbssearch something carefully We searched the whole house carefully, but didn’t find anything.searchsearch something thoroughly They searched the garden thoroughly.searchsearch frantically/desperately (=in a hurried way, because you feel very worried) Panic-stricken parents frantically searched for their children.parentsearchchildsearch high and low (=search everywhere) We searched high and low for him, but couldn’t find him.searchsearch something from top to bottom (=search all the rooms in a building) They searched the house from top to bottom.searchsearch in vain He searched in vain for a means of escape.searchmeanTHESAURUSsearch to look carefully for someone or something: Detectives continue to search for clues.detectiveclue | She searched through all his clothes.searchclothelook for somebody/something to try to get someone or something you want or need: I’m looking for something to wear for my sister’s wedding.look | The band is looking for a singer.belook | He’s decided to look for a new career.decidetry to find somebody/something used especially when someone or something is difficult to find: I spent half an hour trying to find a parking space.spendtrypark | She was in the kitchen, trying to find something to eat that wasn’t raw carrot.betryseek formal to try to find something or someone. Used especially about jobs, help, or information. Also used in newspaper advertisements when trying to find a suitable person: They went there seeking work.goseek | She decided to seek help.decide | Tall blond 18-year-old male seeks female 17+ for friendship.seekhunt to look for someone or something. Used when you look very carefully and thoroughly, or in the phrase house/job/bargain hunting: I’ve hunted everywhere, but I can’t find a recipe for French onion soup.hunt | She’s gone out bargain-hunting in the sales.gohuntsalebe on the lookout for somebody/something to be continuously looking for someone or something: I’m always on the lookout for a good bargain.leave no stone unturned to look for someone or something in every possible place: The police say they will leave no stone unturned in their search for the killer.search something ↔ out phrasal verb LOOK FORto find something by searching: We were too tired to search out extra blankets.betireblanket
noun [countable] (plural aircraft) a plane or other vehicle that can fly → light aircraftTHESAURUSplane (also aeroplane British English), airplane American English a vehicle that flies in the air and has wings and at least one engine: The plane took off from John F Kennedy airport.take | a passenger plane carrying over 300 peoplecarryaircraft a plane or other vehicle that can fly. Aircraft sounds more formal than plane: Smoking is not allowed on board the aircraft.smokebeallow | He was trained to fly military aircraft.betrainjet a fast plane with a jet engine: She owns a private jet.ownairliner a large plane that carries people: a commercial airliner
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Origin: distress 1worry [uncountable and countable]WORRIED continuous feelings of worry about your work or personal life, that prevent you from relaxing → strain:
Your headaches are due to stress.headachebeJanet’s been under a lot of stress since her mother’s illness.beall the stresses of public lifestressA lot of illnesses are stress-related.illnessberelate2force [uncountable and countable] the physical force or pressure on an object: Shoes with high heels put a great deal of stress on knees and ankles.shoeheelkneeankle3importance [uncountable]EMPHASIZE the special attention or importance given to a particular idea, fact, or activity SYN emphasisput/lay stress on somethingPugh laid particular stress on the need for discipline.lay4word/music [uncountable and countable] the degree of force or loudness with which a part of a word is pronounced or a note in music is played, which makes it sound stronger than other parts or notesCOLLOCATIONSverbssuffer from stress If you are suffering from stress, you may be more likely to become ill.besuffercause stress Moving house often causes stress.movecausecope with/deal with stress People find different ways of dealing with stress.waydealreduce/relieve stress Don’t resort to alcohol to relieve your stress.adjectivesgreat/considerable/enormous Staff experienced considerable stress as a result of the changes.experiencechangemental/emotional stress It was a time of great emotional stress for me.bephrasesbe under stress She's been under a lot of stress lately.bea cause of stress Balancing work and family is the main cause of stress for many people.balancebesigns/symptoms/effects of stress Headaches, migraines, and irritability are all signs of stress.headachemigrainebesign | The effects of stress are subtle and sometimes difficult to see.effectbesb’s stress level (also sb’s level of stress) Exercise reduces stress levels.reducelevelstresses and strains (=a lot of different worries that are caused by something) the stresses and strains of everyday lifestressstrainstress management Some patients may benefit from being taught stress management skills.patientbeteachskillTHESAURUSthe feeling of being worriedworry the feeling of not being happy or relaxed and thinking a lot about a problem or something that is wrong: She was sick with worry over her daughter.be | the look of worry on his faceanxiety the feeling of being worried because you think that something bad has happened or will happen, and you feel that you have no control over the situation: The thought of having to give a speech filled me with anxiety.thinkhavefill | The increase in heating costs is causing a lot of anxiety among elderly people.heatcostbecauseconcern a worried feeling – use this especially when many people are worried about a problem that affects everyone: The shortage of water is beginning to cause widespread concern.bebeginstress the feeling of being worried all the time, for example about work or personal problems, which can make you ill or very tired: Her financial problems were causing her a lot of stress.problembecauseanguish a feeling of extreme mental suffering caused by worry: How could her parents survive the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her?canparentknowhavehappen | When she spoke, her voice was full of anguish.speakbeangst a strong feeling of worry and anxiety because you are worried about your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation: The letter was full of teenage angst - would she ever be able to find another boyfriend?bewill | There was much angst about the decision.be
stressverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Corpus examplesstressstressesstressedstressingstressstress2 S3 W3 AC verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1EMPHASIZEto emphasize a statement, fact, or ideastress thatThe report stressed that student math skills need to improve.stressskillCrawford stressed the need for more housing downtown.stresshouseShe stressed the importance of a balanced diet.stressbalance2to pronounce a word or part of a word so that it sounds louder or more forceful: The word ‘machine’ is stressed on the second syllable.bestressCOLLOCATIONSnounsstress the importance of something He has always stressed the importance of a stable family.havestressstress the need for something She stressed the need for more effective policing.stresspolicestress a point This point needs to be stressed.needstressstress a fact Medicines usually stress the fact that you must not exceed the stated dose.medicinestatestress the role of somebody/something In her speech, she stressed the role of parents in preventing youth crime.stressparentpreventstress your commitment to (doing) something The President stressed his commitment to tackling world poverty.stresstackleTHESAURUSemphasize to say strongly or show clearly that a fact, idea etc is especially important: Our company emphasizes the need for good communication between staff.emphasizestress to emphasize something when you are talking about a subject: Most schools stress the importance of parental involvement in their child’s learning.schoollearn | He stressed the need for parents to listen to their children.stressparentchildhighlight to show that something is important, so that people will pay special attention to it: This case highlights the need for tougher laws on gun ownership.highlighttoughlaw | The report highlights the decline in the numbers of native plants and insects.highlightnumberplantinsectunderline/underscore to help to show clearly that a fact is true, especially a fact that is already known: These attacks underline the fact that the security situation here remains fragile.attackremain | The president’s speech repeatedly underscored the progress that has been made.underscorehavebemakeaccentuate to show something clearly and make it easier to notice: The recent economic crisis has accentuated the gap between the rich and the poor.haveaccentuateoveremphasize to emphasize something too much: The relation between food and health is often overemphasized in my view.beoveremphasizeplay up to emphasize something and make it seem more important than it really is, especially to get advantages for yourself: The story has been played up by the media.havebeplaymedium | The Labour party had a great time playing up the Conservatives’ problems.haveplayconservativeproblemstress somebody out phrasal verb informal to make someone so worried or nervous that they cannot relax: Studying for exams always stresses me out.studyexamstress
verb [intransitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hlysnan Verb form1LISTENto pay attention to what someone is saying or to a sound that you can hear:
Listen! There’s a strange noise in the engine.listen toWe sat around listening to music.sitlistenlisten carefully/intently/hard etcThe whole class was listening attentively.belistenLiz stood still and listened hard (=very carefully).standlisten ► Listen is never followed directly by a noun. Use to and then a noun or a clause: Listen to what I say (NOT Listen what I say).2spokenATTENTION used to tell someone to pay attention to what you are going to say: Listen, I want you to come with me.3THINK ABOUTto consider what someone says and accept their advice: I told him not to go, but he just wouldn’t listen.telllisten toI wish I’d listened to Dad.listenShe refused to listen to reason (=accept sensible advice).refuseTHESAURUSlisten to pay attention to what someone is saying or to a sound that you hear: I didn’t hear the answer, because I wasn’t listening when she read it out.listen | He listened carefully to every word I said.listensaypay attention to listen carefully to what someone is saying: I nodded to show I was paying attention.nodbepay | She was tired and wasn’t paying attention to what he was saying.betirepaybesayeavesdrop to secretly listen to someone else’s conversation by standing near them, hiding behind a door etc: I caught him eavesdropping on our conversation.catcheavesdrop | They spoke in quiet voices which made it hard to eavesdrop.speakvoicemakeoverhear to hear someone say something, especially accidentally: I overheard him say something about wanting to move house.overhearwant | Excuse me! I couldn’t help overhearing that you were planning a trip to Thailand.overhearbeplantune in (to something) to listen to a radio programme, or to someone using a radio transmitter: Over a million people tune in to the programme each week. | Tune in at the same time next week for the next episode. | The equipment could be used by criminals to tune in to police broadcasts.canusecriminalbroadcasttap to connect a piece of electronic recording equipment to a telephone system so that you can listen to people’s telephone conversations: The police had tapped the phones of all three suspects.havetapphonesuspect | The President had to resign over an illegal phone-tapping operation.havetapbug to hide a small piece of electronic recording equipment in someone’s room, car, office etc in order to listen secretly to what is said there: Security agents bugged their offices and managed to get some evidence against them.agentbugofficemanage | Wells was convinced the house was bugged and insisted on playing loud music while we talked.wellbeconvincebebuginsistplaytalklisten for something phrasal verb LISTENto listen carefully so that you will notice a particular sound: Listen for the moment when the music changes.changelisten in phrasal verb1LISTENto listen to a broadcast on the radiolisten in toI must remember to listen in to the news. → tune in(1)2LISTENto listen to someone’s conversation when they do not want you tolisten in onIt sounded like someone was listening in on us.soundbelistenlisten out phrasal verb British English informal LISTENto listen carefully so that you will notice a particular soundlisten out forListen out for the baby in case she wakes up.wakelisten up phrasal verb spoken especially American English ATTENTIONused to get people’s attention so they can hear what you are going to say: Hey everybody, listen up!
listennounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleslistenlistenslistenlisten2 noun a listen British English informalLISTEN an act of listening: Have a listen to this new album!
verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: publier, from Latin publicare ‘to make public, publish’, from publicus; → PUBLIC1 Verb form1[transitive] to arrange for a book, magazine etc to be written, printed, and sold → publication:
The first edition was published in 1765.bepublishThey are publishing the dictionary on CD-ROM.bepublish2[transitive] if a newspaper or magazine publishes a letter, article etc, it prints it for people to read → publication: We love reading your letters and we try to publish as many as possible.readletter3[transitive usually passive] to make official information such as a report available for everyone to read → publication: The latest unemployment figures will be published tomorrow.latefigurepublish4[intransitive and transitive] if a writer, musician etc publishes their work, they arrange for it to be printed and sold: University teachers must publish regularly to gain promotion.teacher5publish and be damned British English used to say that you should take a risk in saying what you think is true, although the result may be harmful to you
especially British English (also insureinsuresinsuredinsuringinsure American English) verb [transitive]Verb form CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYto make certain that something will happen properly SYN make sure: facilities to ensure the safety of cyclistsfacilitycyclistensure (that)The hospital tries to ensure that people are seen quickly.trybeseeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say make sure rather than ensure:Please make sure all the windows are closed.windowbecloseMake sure is followed by a clause (with or without that), never a direct object: regulations to ensure their safety ➔ regulations to make sure (that) they are safe
verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: reserver, from Latin reservare ‘to keep back’, from servare ‘to keep’ Verb form1BUYto arrange for a place in a hotel, restaurant, plane etc to be kept for you to use at a particular time in the future → bookreserve something for somebody/something
I’d like to reserve a table for two.Do you have to reserve tickets in advance?ticket2KEEP/STOREto keep something so that it can be used by a particular person or for a particular purpose SYN set asidereserve something for somebody/somethingA separate room is reserved for smokers.bereservesmokerreserved parking spacesreserveparkspace3especially written to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process – used especially when describing how to cook something SYN keep, save: Reserve a little of the mixture to sprinkle over the top of the pie.4USE STHto use or show something only in one particular situationreserve something for somebody/somethingShe spoke in a tone of voice she usually reserved for dealing with officials.speakreservedealofficial5reserve the right to do something formalRIGHT/HAVE THE RIGHT TO if you reserve the right to do something, you will do it if you think it is necessary – used especially in notices or official documents: The management reserves the right to refuse admission.reserve6reserve (your) judgment (on something) spoken to not give your opinion about something until a later time when you have more information
reservenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesreservereservesreservereserve2 S3 noun
1supply [countable usually plural]AMOUNT a supply of something kept to be used if it is needed: $10 million in cash reservesreserveoil reservesreservereserve ofSomehow Debbie maintained an inner reserve of strength.maintain2in reserveKEEP/STORE ready to be used if needed: We always keep some money in reserve, just in case.3personal quality [uncountable]SHOW A FEELING OR ATTITUDE a quality in someone’s character that makes them not like expressing their emotions or talking about their problems → shyness: She overcame her own natural reserve.overcome4player [countable] an extra player who plays in a team if one of the other players is injured or ill → substitute5team the reserves British English a team that plays when the usual team cannot do so6military the reserve (also the reserves) an extra military force that a country has in addition to its usual army, navy etc which can be used if needed → reservist7for animals/plants [countable] British English an area of land where wild animals and plants are protected SYN reservation, preserve American English: a wildlife reserve → nature reserve8for native americans [countable] a reservation9price [countable] (also reserve price) a price below which something will not be sold, especially in an auction
verb [transitive not in progressive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: requerre, from Vulgar Latin requaerere ‘to try to find, need’, from Latin requirere, from quaerere ‘to ask’ Verb form1NEEDto need something:
Campbell’s broken leg will probably require surgery.breakWhat’s required is a complete reorganization of the system.requirebeMost house plants require regular watering.plantwaterRegisterRequire is used especially in written English. In everyday English, people usually say need: His leg will probably need surgery.2MUSTif you are required to do or have something, a law or rule says you must do it or have itbe required to do somethingYou are required by law to wear a seat belt.berequirerequire thatRegulations require that students attend at least 90% of the lectures.regulationstudentlittlelectureThe bill failed to get the required number of votes.failrequirenumbvote
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: strengthu 1physical [uncountable]STRONG PERSON the physical power and energy that makes someone strong OPP weaknesshave/find the strength to do something
She didn’t even have the strength to stand up.I’m trying to build up my strength.tryJo hit him with all her strength.He never ceased to be amazed by her physical strength.ceaseamaze2determination [uncountable]DETERMINED the quality of being brave or determined in dealing with difficult or unpleasant situationshave/find the strength to do somethingJenny didn’t have the strength to end the relationship.She had enormous strength of character (=strong ability to deal with difficult situations).havestrength of mind/purposeThe sea was very cold and it required great strength of mind to get in.berequireI think you have to find an inner strength in order to feel good about yourself. → tower of strength at tower1(3)3feeling/belief [uncountable]STRONG FEELING OR BELIEF how strong a feeling, belief, or relationship is SYN depthstrength ofGovernments cannot ignore the strength of public opinion.governmentWe understand the strength of feeling against the proposal.feel4organization/country etc [uncountable]POWER the political, military, or economic power of an organization, country, or systemstrength ofthe strength of the US economyThe socialists organized a show of strength (=when a country or organization shows how strong it is).socialistorganize5useful quality or ability [countable]GOOD AT a particular quality or ability that gives someone or something an advantage OPP weakness: Her main strength is her critical thinking ability.bethinkstrength ofThe great strength of our plan lies in its simplicity.lieBe aware of your own strengths and weaknesses.strengthweakness6object [uncountable]STRONG OBJECT how strong an object or structure is, especially its ability to last for a long time without breaking OPP weaknessstrength ofa device for testing the strength of concrete structuresteststructure7substance/mixture [uncountable and countable]STRONG TASTE OR SMELL how strong a substance or mixture is: Add water to dilute the solution to the required strength.requirefull-strength/half-strength/double-strength etcYoung plants can be fed with half-strength liquid fertilizer.plantfeed8number of people [uncountable]NUMBER the number of people in a team, army etc: The Edinburgh team are now at full strength.bebelow strengthThe police force is below strength at the moment (=there are fewer police than there should be).bein strengthSecurity forces were out in strength (=in large numbers) but did not intervene.forcebedo9money [uncountable]VALUE the value of a country’s money when compared to other countries’ moneystrength ofthe strength of the dollar on the international money marketsmarket10on the strength of somethingBECAUSE because of something: I bought the book on the strength of your recommendation.buy11position of strengthADVANTAGE a position where you have an advantage over someone, especially in a discussion: We must negotiate from a position of strength.12go from strength to strengthSUCCESSFUL to become more and more successful: For several years, the business went from strength to strength.yeargo13natural force [uncountable] how strong a natural force is: the strength of the sunlight14colour/light/flavour/smell etc [uncountable]BRIGHT how strong a colour, taste etc is15give me strength spokenANNOY used when you are annoyed or angry about something16not know your own strength to not realize how strong you areCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesphysical strength Some of the tasks required considerable physical strength.taskrequiregreat/enormous strength Hercules was famous for his great strength.besuperhuman strength (=much greater than ordinary strength) In the movie, Walsh performs feats of superhuman strength.performfeatsuperior strength (=greater than someone else's) Using his superior strength, Rocky dragged the struggling Larsen another twenty yards back.usedragstruggleyardbrute strength (=physical strength rather than intelligence or careful thinking) There is more to wrestling than brute strength. Tactics are important too.bewrestletacticbefull strength It takes time to get your full strength back after you have been ill.takebeverbshave the strength to do something He didn't even have the strength to sit up.find the strength to do something Mary found the strength to climb up onto the upturned boat.finduse your strength He used all his strength to heave the door shut.usegather/muster/summon your strength (=get enough strength to do something) He sat for a couple of minutes, gathering his strength.sitminutegatherbuild up your strength (=make yourself stronger) You need to build up your strength.gain strength After the operation, he spent several weeks relaxing and gaining strength.spendweekrelaxgainCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesgreat strength She showed great strength in dealing with her problems.showdealprobleminner strength Geoff had an inner strength which got him through the tough times.havegettimemental strength He's a player who has the skill and the mental strength to win.haveverbshave the strength to do something This proved that he has the strength to cope with such a high-powered job.provehavepowerfind the strength to do something Paula had found the strength to escape from an abusive marriage.havefindgain/draw strength from somebody/something He gained strength from being back with the people and things he loved.gainbethingloveshow strength The decision to continue shows incredible strength and courage.showphrasesstrength of character (=strong ability to deal with difficult situations) The victims' families have shown amazing strength of character.victimfamilyshowamazestrength of purpose/mind (=determination to do something) In pursuing this ambition, William showed remarkable strength of purpose.pursueshowa source of strength (=person or thing that makes you brave or determined) Her faith had always been a source of strength for her.havebeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 5adjectivesa great strength Diversity is one of India's greatest strengths.begreatstrengtha real strength The play's real strength is the way it explores relationships.beexplorerelationshipverbsbuild on/capitalize on a strength (=use it as a basis for further achievement) The organization must move forward and capitalize on its strengths.strengthplay to your strengths (=use people's qualities and abilities in the best way in order to achieve something) Both parties are playing to their strengths.partybeplaystrengthidentify strengths The teacher can identify each child's strengths and build on these.strengthknow somebody's strengths It's important to know your strengths as well as your weaknesses.strengthweaknesssomebody's/something's strength lies in something The show's strength lies in the fact that it appeals to all ages.lieappealagephrasesstrengths and weaknesses All technologies have different strengths and weaknesses.technologystrengthweakness
adjective [only before noun] formal ACCUSEan alleged crime, fact etc is one that someone says has happened or is true, although it has not been provedalleged offence/crime/incident etctheir alleged involvement in international terrorismallegeThe alleged victim made the complaint at a police station in York.allegemake
verb
Verb form1remember something [intransitive, transitive not in progressive]REMEMBER to remember a particular fact, event, or situation from the past: You don’t happen to recall his name, do you?recall (that)I seem to recall I’ve met him before somewhere.meetrecall doing somethingI don’t recall seeing any cars parked outside.seecarparkrecall what/how/where etcI can’t recall who gave me the information.giveAs I recall, it was you who suggested this idea in the first place.besuggest2person [transitive] to officially tell someone to come back to a place or grouprecall somebody to somethingCole was recalled to the squad to replace the injured Quinn.berecallinjurerecall somebody from somethingThe Ambassador was recalled from Washington.berecall3product [transitive] if a company recalls one of its products, it asks people who have bought it to return it because there may be something wrong with it: The cars had to be recalled due to an engine fault.carhaverecall4computer [transitive] to bring information back onto the screen of a computer5be similar to something [transitive]SAME if something recalls something else, it makes you think of it because it is very similar: The furnishings recall the 1960s.6politics [transitive] American English to vote to remove someone from their political positionTHESAURUSremember to form an idea in your mind of people, events, places etc from the past: I remember Janine – she lived in that house on the corner.live | I can’t remember how the film ends.end | He remembered meeting her at a party once.remembermeetrecall to remember a particular fact, event, or situation, especially in order to tell someone about it: Can you recall where your husband was that night?be | She recalled that he had seemed a strange, lonely man.recallhaveseemrecollect formal to remember an event or situation: Harry smiled as he recollected the scene.smilerecollect | She tried to recollect what had happened next in her dream.tryhavehappenmemorize to learn facts, a piece of writing or music etc, so that you can remember them later: He’s trying to memorize his speech.try | Don’t write down your PIN number, memorize it.numbthink back/look back to think about something that happened in the past: I thought back to when I was his age.thinkbe | Looking back, I should have been more patient with her.lookshallbe | We need to stop looking back and start thinking about the future.lookthinkreminisce /ˌreməˈnɪs, ˌremɪˈnɪs/ to talk about pleasant events, people, experiences etc from the past, because you want to remember them or enjoy talking about them: They were reminiscing about old times.bereminiscetime | I used to spend hours listening to my grandfather reminisce.usehourlistenbear something in mind to remember something important when you are doing something, because it could affect what you do: Bear in mind that this is the first time he’s done this.bedosomething is on the tip of your tongue used to say that you know a word or a name but that you have difficulty remembering it at this exact moment: His name’s on the tip of my tongue. I’ll think of it in a minute.remind somebody of something to make you think of another person, thing, or time, because they are similar: It reminds me of the time when I first started teaching.remindstartteach | The taste reminded him of school dinners.reminddinner
recallnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrecallrecallsrecallre‧call2 /rɪˈkɔːl, ˈriːkɔːl $ -ɒːl/ noun
1memory [uncountable]REMEMBER the ability to remember something that you have learned or experienced: A child’s recall is usually accurate.beHe had total recall (=remembered everything) of every play in the game.have2order to return [singular, uncountable] an official order telling someone to return to a place, especially before they expected torecall ofthe recall of their ambassador3beyond recallREMEMBER impossible to bring back or remember4product [countable] when a company asks people to return a product they have bought because there may be something wrong with it5politics [singular, uncountable] American English a vote to remove someone from their political position, or the act of being removed by a voterecall ofthe recall of four city council membersmember
noun [uncountable]Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: blod 1IN YOUR BODYthe red liquid that your heart pumps around your body:
Her body was found in a pool of blood.befindBlood oozed from a cut on his forehead.oozeBlood tests proved he was not the father.testprovebe2(have) sb’s blood on your handsKILL to have caused someone’s death: dictators with blood on their handsdictatorhand3in cold bloodCRUEL in a cruel and deliberate way: Evans had been murdered in cold blood.havebemurder4make sb’s blood boilANGRY to make someone extremely angry: The way they treat people makes my blood boil.make5make sb’s blood run coldFRIGHTENED to make someone feel extremely frightened6like getting blood out of a stoneGIVETELL almost impossible: Getting the truth out of her is like getting blood out of a stone.getbeget7blood is thicker than waterFAMILY used to say that family relationships are more important than any other kind8be after sb’s bloodANGRY to be angry enough to want to hurt someone9sb’s blood is up British EnglishANGRY someone is extremely angry about something and determined to do something about it: They tried to stop me, but my blood was up.trybe10YOUR FAMILY/GROUPFAMILYthe family to which you belong from the time that you are born: There’s Irish blood on his mother’s side.11be/run in sb’s bloodFAMILY if an ability or tendency is in, or runs in, someone’s blood, it is natural to them and others in their family12sweat bloodWORK HARD to work extremely hard to achieve something: Beth sweated blood over that article.sweat13blood, sweat, and tears extremely hard work14new/fresh bloodNEW new members in a group or organization who bring new ideas and energy: We need to bring in some new blood and fresh ideas.idea15blood on the carpet a situation where people have a very strong disagreement, with the result that something serious happens, such as someone losing his or her job16young bloodMAN old-fashioned a fashionable young man17especially American English spoken a way of greeting a friend, used by young men → bad blood at bad1(27), → blue-blooded, red blood cell, white blood cell, → your own flesh and blood at flesh1(6), → shed blood at shed2(5)COLLOCATIONSverbslose blood (=from a cut or wound) He had lost a lot of blood and was very weak.havelosebegive/donate blood (=provide blood from your body for the medical treatment of other people) The Health Service is asking for more people to donate blood.beaskdraw blood (=make someone bleed) He touched me with the knife and it drew blood.touchdrawblood flows A quick walk will get the blood in your legs flowing again.legflowblood trickles (=moves slowly) The blood was beginning to trickle down his leg.bebeginblood oozes (=comes out slowly) Blood was oozing from her forehead.beoozebe covered in blood His face was covered in blood.becoverblood gushes/streams (=moves fast) A man was lying in the street with blood gushing from his head.beliegushblood clots (=forms a mass and stops flowing) The blood should clot and stop the wound from bleeding.shallwindbleedbe caked with blood (=covered with dry blood) The cat's fur was caked with blood.becakebe spattered/splattered with blood (=covered with small spots of blood) Today the only sign of violence is the walls spattered with blood.bewallspatterblood + NOUNblood pressure (=the force with which blood moves through your body) High blood pressure increases the risk of a heart attack.increasesomebody's blood type/group (=one of the different types of human blood) What blood type are you?bea blood cell The red blood cells carry oxygen.cella blood vessel (=a tube in your body through which blood flows) the blood vessels that lead to the heartvessela blood clot (=a mass formed when blood dries or sticks together) Blood clots in the legs are potentially fatal.clotlegbethe blood flow Fat reduces the blood flow to the surface of the skin.reducethe blood supply (=the blood that flows to a part of the body) the blood supply to the braina blood test (=a test done on your blood to see if you have a disease or another condition)a blood sample (=a small amount of blood taken from your body to test)a blood transfusion (=putting more blood in someone's body for medical reasons)phrasesa drop of blood Police found tiny drops of blood in the apartment.finddroploss of blood She suffered a massive loss of blood.suffera pool of blood A dark pool of blood was spreading from his head.bespreada trickle of blood A trickle of blood was coming from his nose.become
bloodverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesbloodbloodsbloodedbloodingbloodblood2 verb [transitive] British EnglishFIRST to give someone their first experience of an activity, especially a difficult or unpleasant one
noun [countable]
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: afaire, from à faire ‘to do’ 1public/political activities affairs [plural] a)HAPPENpublic or political events and activities:
Are you interested in world affairs?beinterestaffairthe Ministry of Foreign AffairsaffairWomen had little role in public affairs.womanhaveaffair b)PRIVATE/PERSONALthings connected with your personal life, your financial situation etc: I am not prepared to discuss my financial affairs with the press.beprepareaffair → state of affairs at state1(8)2event a)an event or set of related events, especially one that is impressive or shocking: the Watergate affairThe whole affair was a disaster.be b)used when describing an event: The party was a very grand affair.be3relationshipRELATIONSHIP a secret sexual relationship between two people, when at least one of them is married to someone else SYN love affairaffair withHe had an affair with his boss that lasted six years.havelastyear4object informal old-fashionedTHING used when describing an object, machine etc: The computer was one of those little portable affairs.beaffair5be sb’s affairPRIVATE/PERSONAL if something is your affair, it only concerns you and you do not want anyone else to get involved in it: What I do in my free time is my affair.beCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesworld/international affairs China is now a major player in world affairs.beaffaircurrent affairs (=important events that are happening now) a 24-hour news and current affairs channelaffairsb’s private affairs (=things that are personal and not for other people to know about) He never discussed his private affairs in public.discussaffairsb’s financial affairs They offer advice on managing your financial affairs.manageaffairsb’s business affairs After dad retired, I managed his estate and business affairs.retiremanageaffaireconomic affairs He was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for economic affairs.beappointaffairpolitical affairs The military promised to stay out of political affairs.promiseaffairmilitary affairs the president’s advisor on military affairsaffairreligious affairs She wanted to be more involved in the church and religious affairs.wantinvolveaffairforeign/external affairs (=events in other countries) the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairsaffairdomestic/internal affairs (also home affairs British English) (=events inside a country) the Minister of Home Affairsaffair | He said that the US should not try to interfere in his country's domestic affairs.sayshallaffairpublic affairs (=events that affect the people of a country) He was active in public affairs in his region.beaffairphrasesaffairs of state (=the business of the government) The church played no role in the affairs of state.playaffairput your affairs in order (=organize them before you go somewhere or die) I have cancer so I know I’ve got to put my affairs in order.getaffair
noun [countable]
Word familySense 1-5:Date: 1300-1400
Language: French
Origin: Late Latin data, from the past participle of Latin dare ‘to give’Sense 6:
Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: Greek daktylos ‘finger’ 1dayTIME THAT IS PLANNED a particular day of the month or year, especially shown by a number:
The date on the letter was 30th August 1962.beWhat’s today’s date?date ofWhat’s the date of the next meeting?meetYou should apply at least 8 weeks before your date of departure.shalllittleweekdate forHave you set a date for the wedding yet?2at a later/future date formalFUTURE at some time in the future SYN later: The details will be agreed at a later date.detailagreelate3to dateNOW up to now: The cost of the work to date has been about £150 million.havebeHer best performance to date was her third place at the World Junior Championships.wellbechampionship4romantic meeting a)MEETan occasion when you go out with someone that you like in a romantic waydate withI’ve got a date with Andrea tomorrow night.getI felt like a teenager going out on a first date.feelgo → blind date b)American EnglishRELATIONSHIP someone that you have a date withsb’s dateCan I bring my date to the party?5arrangement to meet somebody a time arranged to meet someone, especially socially: Let’s make a date to come over and visit.6fruit a sweet sticky brown fruit with a long hard seed inside → closing date, → expiry date at expiry(2), → out-of-date, sell-by date, up-to-dateCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + datethe exact/precise date I can’t remember the exact date we moved into this house.movethe agreed date British English, agreed upon date American English (=one that people have agreed on) The work was not finished by the agreed date.befinishagreethe closing date (=the last day you can officially do something) The closing date for applications is April 30th.closeapplicationbethe due date (=the date by which something is due to happen) Payment must be made by the due date.makethe delivery date (=a date on which goods will be delivered) The delivery date should be around 23rd August.shallthe publication date (=the date when something is published) We are aiming at a publication date of mid-November.beaimthe departure date (=the date when someone leaves) My departure date was only a few days away.bedaythe expiry date British English, expiration date American English (=a date on a product after which it cannot be used) Check the expiry date on your credit card.the sell-by date British English (=a date on a food product after which it should not be sold) Those yoghurts are a week past their sell-by date.yoghurtbeverbsdecide on a date (=choose the date when something will happen) Have you decided on a date for the wedding yet?decideset/fix a date (=decide the date when something will happen) They haven’t set a date for the election yet.phrasestoday’s date Don’t forget to put today’s date at the top of the letter.sb’s date of birth (also sb’s birth date) (=the day and year when someone was born) What’s your date of birth?the date of publication/issue/departure etc formal The insurance will only cover costs incurred on or after the date of departure.costincurTHESAURUSmeeting an occasion when people meet in order to discuss something: a business meeting.meet | Mr Bell is in a meeting.bemeet | The committee will hold another meeting Wednesday.meetconference an organized event, especially one that continues for several days, at which a lot of people meet to discuss a particular subject and hear speeches about it: Didn’t you give a talk at the conference last year? | a conference of women business leaderswomanleaderconvention a large formal meeting of people who belong to a political party, or to an organization of people with the same interests: the Democratic Party Convention | a convention for Star Trek fansfanrally a large public meeting, especially one that is held outdoors to support or protest about something: There was a massive peace rally in London.besummit a meeting between government leaders from important and powerful countries, to discuss important matters: A summit meeting of OPEC leaders was called to find a solution to the oil crisis.meetleaderbecall | next week’s economic summitcaucus American English a local meeting of the members of a political party to choose people to represent them at a larger meeting, or to choose a candidate in an election: Obama won the Iowa caucus in 2007.winteleconference/video conference a business meeting in which people in different places talk to each other using telephones or video equipment: The chairman held teleconferences with his senior managers.holdteleconferencemanagergathering/get-together a situation in which a group of people come together to meet, talk, and have drinks with each other, especially friends or family: We held a small family get-together to celebrate her birthday.hold | She arranged social gatherings in Kettering for young people on Saturday evenings.arrangegatheringeveningdate an arrangement to meet someone who you are having, or hoping to have, a romantic relationship with: I think I might ask her out on a date.rendezvous a meeting where two people have arranged to meet at a particular time or place, often secretly: She arranged a rendezvous with him in the hotel bar.arrangetryst literary a secret meeting between people who are having a romantic relationship: a good place for a moonlight tryst
dateverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdatedatesdateddatingdatedate2 S3 W3 verb
Word familyVerb form1write date [transitive]TIME THAT IS PLANNED to write or print the date on something: a newspaper dated November 23, 1963dateMake sure you sign and date it at the bottom.2find age [transitive]FIND OUT to find out when something old was made or formed: The rocks are dated by examining the fossils found in the same layer.rockbedateexaminefossilfindradiocarbon datingdate3old-fashioned [intransitive]OLD-FASHIONED if clothing, art etc dates, it begins to look old-fashioned: His designs are so classic, they’ve hardly dated at all.designbedate → dated4relationship [intransitive and transitive] American EnglishRELATIONSHIP to have a romantic relationship with someone SYN go out with: Is he still dating Sarah?bedateAre Chris and Liz dating?bedate5show sb’s age [transitive]OLD/NOT NEW if something that you say, do, or wear dates you, it shows that you are fairly old: Yes, I remember the moon landings – that dates me, doesn’t it?landingdatedate from something (also date back to somethingdate back to something) phrasal verb PASTto have existed since a particular time in the past: The church dates from the 13th century.date
adverb [+ adjective/adverb] spoken1QUITE/FAIRLYfairly or more than a little: I’m pretty sure he’ll say yes.She still looks pretty miserable.lookRegisterIn written English, people usually avoid pretty and use fairly instead:The consequences of this are fairly obvious.consequencebe2VERYvery: Dinner at Luigi’s sounds pretty good to me.sound3pretty well/muchALMOST almost completely: He hit the ball pretty well exactly where he wanted it.wantThe guard left us pretty much alone.leaveThey’re all pretty much the same.4pretty nearly (also pretty near American English)ALMOST almost: The shock of Pat’s death pretty near killed Roy.kill → be sitting pretty at sit(9)THESAURUSrather/quite especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before adjectives in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say: She seemed rather unhappy.seem | It's rather a difficult question. | It’s getting quite late.get | Malaria is rather common in this area.befairly rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English: The test was fairly easy.be | It’s a fairly long way to the next town.pretty spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English: Her French is pretty good.be | We’re in a pretty strong position.reasonably to a satisfactory level or degree: He plays reasonably well.play | Let's just say that I am reasonably confident we'll win.bemoderately formal more than a little, but not very: Her family was moderately wealthy.be | The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants.berestaurant | Use a moderately high heat. | a moderately difficult climbsomewhat formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives: The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s.celebrationbelarge | He looked somewhat irritated.lookirritate | a somewhat surprising decisionsurprise
prettyadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprettyprettierprettiestprettypretty2 S2 W3 adjective (comparative prettier, superlative prettiest)Language: Old EnglishOrigin: prættig ‘tricky’, from prætt ‘trick’ 1BEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKINGa woman or child who is pretty has a nice attractive face:
a pretty little girlMaria looks much prettier with her hair cut short.lookpretty2NICEsomething that is pretty is pleasant to look at or listen to but is not impressive: a pretty dressThe tune is pretty.beWhat a pretty little garden!3not a pretty sightUNPLEASANT very unpleasant to look at – sometimes used humorously: After a night’s drinking, Al was not a pretty sight.drinkbe4not just a pretty face spokenINTELLIGENT used humorously to say that someone is intelligent, when people think this is surprising: I’m not just a pretty face, you know!5come to a pretty pass old-fashionedSERIOUS SITUATION used to say that a very bad situation has developed: Things have come to a pretty pass, if you can’t say what you think without causing a fight.thingcause6cost a pretty penny old-fashionedCOST to cost a lot of money7pretty as a pictureBEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKING old-fashioned very pretty—prettilyprettily adverb: Charlotte sang very prettily.sing—prettinessprettinessesprettiness noun [uncountable]
verb [transitive]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: creanter, graanter, from Latin credere ‘to believe’ Verb form1formalGIVE to give someone something or allow them to have something that they have asked for:
Britain could grant Spain’s request.canI would love to be able to grant her wish.willgrant somebody somethingThe council have granted him permission to build on the site.grantgrant something to somebodyA licence to sell alcohol was granted to the club.begrantgrant that (=used in prayers)Grant that we may know your presence and love.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say give permission rather than grant permission:They gave him permission to stay.give2ADMITto admit that something is true although it does not make much difference to your opinion → concede: He’s got talent, I grant you, but he doesn’t work hard enough.get3take it for granted (that)THINK SO/NOT BE SURE to believe that something is true without making sure: He just took it for granted that he would pass the exam.takegrantwill4take somebody/something for grantedIGNORE to expect that someone or something will always be there when you need them and never think how important or useful they are: Bridget was careful not to take him for granted.begrant
grantnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesgrantgrantsgrantgrant2 S2 W2 AC noun [countable] an amount of money given to someone, especially by the government, for a particular purpose: The university gets a government grant.getAnyone wishing to apply for a grant should write to the Treasurer.wishshallgrant ofa grant of £50,000grant fromThese studios are funded by a grant from the Kress Foundation.studiobefundCOLLOCATIONSNOUN + granta government grant The school has won a £240,000 government grant to improve its science and technology areas.havewinareaa research grant He received a research grant to study the effect of pollution on the environment.receivea student grant If you are on a low income, you may be able to get a student grant.bea block grant American English (=money given by the central government to state governments in order to pay for services such as the police, roads etc) Congress approved block grants for education, health, and social services.approvegrantservicephrasesa grant of £5,000, $8,000 etc The library received a grant of $20,000 to improve its computer facilities.receivefacilityverbsapply for a grant We could apply for a grant and start a serious research programme.canbe eligible for a grant (=be allowed to receive a grant) This booklet explains who is eligible to receive a grant.explainbeget/obtain a grant You may be able to get a grant to learn a trade.receive a grant It is likely that you will receive a grant to cover your tuition.begive/award somebody a grant If you have been awarded a grant, you must send the details to the university.beawarddetailbe funded by a grant The expansion of the computer department was funded by a government grant.befund
the capital city and main port of Maldives, on Male Island in the Indian Ocean
maleadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesmalemalemale1 S3 W2 /meɪl/
adjectiveDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: masle, male, from Latin masculus; → MASCULINE 1MANtypical of or relating to men or boys OPP female → masculine:
a deep male voicetraditional male valuesvalueMotor-racing has largely been a male preserve (=something that only men have been involved with).racehavebe2MANa male person or animal cannot have babies or lay eggs OPP female: adult male bearsbearMany women earn less than their male colleagues.womanlittlecolleague3a male plant or flower cannot produce fruit OPP female4technical a male plug has parts that stick out and that fit into a hole or socket OPP female
malenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesmalemalesmalemale2 W3 noun [countable]1a male animal OPP female: The male is usually bigger and more brightly coloured than the female.bebigcolour2MANa man OPP female: Police described her attacker as a white male aged about 25.describeage
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bridd 1
BIRDa creature with wings and feathers that can usually fly. Many birds sing and build nests, and female birds lay eggs: wild birdsbirdThe dawn was filled with the sound of birds.befillbirda flock of birds (=a group of birds flying together)birda wooden bird cage2WOMAN British English informal a word meaning a young woman, which some people think is offensive3the birds and the bees the facts about sex – used humorously or to children4a little bird told me (something) informalKNOW STH used to say that you know something, but you will not say how you found out: A little bird told me that you’ve got engaged.tellgetengage5birds of a feather (flock together) informalSAME used to say that two or more people have similar attitudes, beliefs etc6give somebody the bird a)American English informal to make a very rude sign at someone by holding your middle finger up b)British EnglishRUDE/IMPOLITE to show strong disapproval of someone who is performing or speaking in public, by shouting, making rude noises etc7a bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush)USEFUL used to say that it is better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by trying to get more8the bird has flown informalLEAVE A PLACE used to say that the person you are looking for has already left or escaped9be (strictly) for the birdsUSELESS old-fashioned informal to be silly, useless, or not practical10STRANGEwise/wily/funny/weird etc old bird old-fashioned informal a person who seems wise, funny etc11do bird British English old-fashioned informal to serve a prison sentence SYN do time → early bird at early1(9), → kill two birds with one stone at kill1(13)COLLOCATIONStypes of birda wild bird Our organization aims to protect wild birds.aimbirda bird of prey (=that hunts and eats small animals) A single bird of prey hovered overhead.hovera game bird (=that people shoot and eat) They hunt game birds such as ducks and pheasants.birdduckpheasanta seabird/sea bird Sea birds are often the victims of oil spills.birdbevictimspilla songbird (=that makes pleasant sounds in order to attract other birds) Hedges provide good protection for songbirds.hedgesongbirda migratory bird (=that moves to different regions for the summer and winter) This route is taken by many migratory birds going south.betakebirdgoa flightless bird (=that cannot fly) The emu is a large flightless Australian bird.bephrasesa flock of birds (=a large number of birds together) Suddenly a flock of birds flew up into the sky.birdflybird + NOUNbird song (=musical sounds that birds make) The forest is full of bird song at all times of the year.betimebird watching (=the activity of watching wild birds) One of his hobbies is bird watching.hobbybewatcha bird watcher The coast path is a paradise for bird watchers.bewatcherverbsa bird flies Some birds fly incredible distances.birddistancea bird soars (=flies very high in the sky) We watched birds soar in the blue sky above.watchbirda bird swoops down (=it suddenly flies down) The bird swoops down on its prey.swoopa bird flaps its wings (=it moves its wings up and down) The baby birds were trying to flap their wings.birdbetrywinga bird sings (=makes musical sounds) I woke up to hear the birds singing outside.wakebirdsinga bird chirps/twitters (=makes short high sounds) Birds chirped to one another from different branches of the tree.birdchirpbrancha bird squawks (=makes a loud unpleasant sound) The bird in the cage started squawking.startsquawka bird builds a nest By March many birds have already built nests.birdbuildnesta bird nests Many birds are nesting on the river banks.birdbenestbanka bird lays its eggs The bird lays a single egg on the ground.laygrinda bird pecks (at) something (=makes small movements with its head) Some birds were pecking at the remains of a sandwich.birdbepeckremaina bird perches (=stands on a something above the ground) Beautiful white birds perched on the tree's branches.birdperchbrancha bird hops (=makes small jumping movements) A small bird was hopping across the grass.behopa bird migrates The birds migrate from South America to North American breeding grounds.birdbreedground
verb
Word familyVerb form1do work [transitive] to do the things that are necessary to complete a job: I handled most of the paperwork.handleThe case is being handled by a top lawyer.bebehandleThe finance department handles all the accounts.handleaccountComputers can handle huge amounts of data.computeramountdatum2deal with a situation [transitive] to deal with a situation or problem by behaving in a particular way and making particular decisions: The headmaster handled the situation very well.handleI knew I had handled the matter badly.knowhavehandleLeave it to me. I can handle it.Most customers were satisfied with the way their complaints were handled.customerbesatisfycomplaintbehandleOpposition leaders will be watching carefully to see how the Prime Minister handles the crisis.leaderwatchhandle3deal with a personTREAT/BEHAVE TOWARDS [transitive] to deal with a person or behave towards them in a particular way, especially in order to keep them happy: Some customers are quite difficult to handle.customerbe4not become upset [transitive] to not become upset in a difficult situation: She can’t handle it when people criticize her.He doesn’t handle stress very well.5hold [transitive]HOLD to touch something or pick it up and hold it in your hands: He had never handled a weapon before.havehandleWe teach the children to handle the animals gently.childanimalHe was roughly handled by the mob.behandle6control a vehicle a)[transitive]CONTROL to control the movement of a vehicle or an animal: I didn’t know if I’d be able to handle such a large vehicle. b)[intransitive]CONTROL the way a vehicle handles is how easy it is to controlhandles well/badlyThe car handles well, even on wet roads.handleroad7move goods [transitive] to move goods from one place to another: The Post Office handles nearly 2 billion letters and parcels over the Christmas period.handleletterparcel8buy/sell goods [transitive] to buy or sell goods: Bennet was charged with handling stolen goods.bechargehandlestealgood
handlenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshandlehandleshandlehandle2 S3 noun [countable]Word familyLanguage: Old English
1 the part of a door that you use for opening it: Then he turned the handle and went in.turngo2
the part of an object that you use for holding it: a knife with a carved wooden handlecarvethe handle of his cupa broom handle3get a handle on somethingUNDERSTAND to start to understand a situation, subject etc: It’s difficult to get a handle on how widespread this problem is.be → fly off the handle at fly1(16)
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: assumere, from ad- ‘to’ + sumere ‘to take’ Verb form1THINK SO/NOT BE SUREto think that something is true, although you do not have definite proof SYN presumeassume (that)
I didn’t see your car, so I assumed you’d gone out.assumegoit is/seems reasonable to assume (that)It seems reasonable to assume that the book was written around 70 AD.seembewriteI think we can safely assume (=it is almost certain) that interest rates will go up again soon.ratelet us/let’s assume (that) (=used when thinking about a possible event or situation and its possible results)Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we?canshallWhen it got to midnight and Paul was still not back, I began to assume the worst (=think that the worst possible thing had happened).getbebeginill2START STH/MAKE STH STARTassume control/responsibility etc formal to start to have control, responsibility etc or to start in a particular position or job: Whoever they appoint will assume responsibility for all financial matters.matterHe assumed power in a bloody coup in 1990.assumeJim Paton will assume the role of managing director.manage3assume a manner/air/expression etc formalPRETEND to behave in a way that does not show how you really feel, especially in order to seem more confident, happy etc than you are SYN put on: Andy assumed an air of indifference whenever her name was mentioned.assumebemention4DEVELOPto start to have a particular quality or appearance SYN take on: These relationships assume great importance in times of crisis.relationshiptimeThe problem is beginning to assume massive proportions.bebeginproportion5DEPEND/IT DEPENDSto be based on the idea that something else is correct SYN presupposeassume (that)The theory assumes that both labour and capital are mobile.assumebeCoen’s economic forecast assumes a 3.5% growth rate.assume → assuming
verb
Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: adopter, from Latin adoptare, from ad- ‘to’ + optare ‘to choose’ Verb form1childLOOK AFTER SB [I, T] to take someone else’s child into your home and legally become its parent → foster:
Sally was adopted when she was four.beadoptbeThe couple are unable to have children of their own, but hope to adopt.bechild2adopt an approach/policy/attitude etcDEAL WITH to start to deal with or think about something in a particular way: The courts were asked to adopt a more flexible approach to young offenders.courtbeaskoffenderThe store recently adopted a drug testing policy for all new employees.adopttestemployeeCalifornia has adopted a tough stance on the issue.haveadopt3style/mannerUSE STH [transitive] to use a particular style of speaking, writing, or behaving, especially one that you do not usually use: Kim adopts a southern accent when speaking to family back home.adoptspeak4law/ruleACCEPT [transitive] to formally approve a proposal, amendment etc, especially by voting: Congress finally adopted the law after a two-year debate.adopt5name/country etcCHOOSE [transitive] to choose a new name, country, custom etc, especially to replace a previous one: Stevens became a Muslim and adopted the name Yusuf Islam.becomeadoptBecoming a member of a society means adopting its values.becomemeanadoptvalue6election [transitive] British English to officially choose someone to represent a political party in an election—adopteradopter noun [countable]—adopteeadopteesadoptee /əˌdɒpˈtiː $ əˌdɑːp-/ noun [countable]
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: soudier, from soulde ‘pay’, from Late Latin solidus ‘gold coin’, from Latin solidus (adjective); → SOLID1
a member of the army of a country, especially someone who is not an officer → troop: A British soldier was wounded in the fighting.bewoundfightan enemy soldierTHESAURUSpeople in an armysoldier someone who is in the army, especially someone who is not an officer: Three soldiers were killed in an hour-long gun battle.soldierbekilltroops soldiers, especially those who are taking part in a military attack: The government sent more troops to Iraq.sendtroopserviceman/servicewoman a man or woman who is in the army, air force, or navy: The hospital treats injured servicemen and women.treatinjureservicemanwomanofficer a high-ranking member of the army, air force, or navy who is in charge of a group of soldiers, sailors etc: an army officer
soldierverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessoldiersoldierssoldieredsoldieringsoldiersoldier2 verbVerb formsoldier on phrasal verb especially British EnglishCONTINUE/NOT STOP to continue working in spite of difficulties: We’ll just have to soldier on without him.
verb (past tense ate /et, eɪt $ eɪt/, past participle eaten /ˈiːtn/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: etan Verb form1food [intransitive and transitive]EAT to put food in your mouth and chew and swallow it:
Felix chatted cheerfully as he ate.chateatA small girl was eating an ice cream.beeatWe had plenty to eat and drink.haveIt’s important to eat healthily when you are pregnant.beI exercise and eat right and get plenty of sleep.Would you like something to eat?willShe can eat like a horse and never put on weight.We stopped at McDonalds to get a bite to eat.stopGood eating habits are the best way of preventing infection.eathabitbewellpreventready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and cheesesfoodmeatcheese‘More cake?’ ‘No thanks, I couldn’t eat another thing.’thankNo chicken for me. I don’t eat meat (=I never eat meat).Does Rob eat fish?do2meal [intransitive and transitive] to have a meal: Let’s eat first and then go to a movie.They’re eating breakfast.eateat atWe could not afford to eat at Walker’s very often.can3eat your wordsADMIT to admit that what you said was wrong: I’m going to make you eat your words.goword4eat your heart out a)COMPAREused to say, especially humorously, that something is very good: That’s a great drawing. Pablo Picasso eat your heart out!draw b)British EnglishSAD/UNHAPPYWANT to be unhappy about something or to want someone or something very much: If you had any sense you’d forget him, but eat your heart out if you want to.have5eat somebody alive/eat somebody for breakfastANGRY to be very angry with someone or to defeat them completely: You can’t tell him that – he’ll eat you alive!6use [transitive]USE/CONSUME to use a very large amount of something: This car eats petrol.eat7eat humble pie (also eat crow American English)ADMIT to admit that you were wrong and say that you are sorry8I’ll eat my hatUNTRUE used to emphasize that you think something is not true or will not happen: If the Democrats win the election, I’ll eat my hat!democrat9have somebody eating out of your handCONTROL to have made someone very willing to believe you or do what you want: He soon had the client eating out of his hand.haveeat10eat somebody out of house and homeEAT to eat a lot of someone’s supply of food, so that they have to buy more – used humorously11what’s eating somebody? spokenANGRY used to ask why someone seems annoyed or upset: What’s eating Sally today?eat12I could eat a horse spokenHUNGRY/WANT TO EAT used to say you are very hungry13I/we won’t eat you spoken used to tell someone that you are not angry with them and they need not be frightened14you are what you eat used to say that you will be healthy if the food you eat is healthy → eats, → have your cake and eat it at cake1(6)COLLOCATIONSnounseat breakfast/lunch/dinner etc What time do you usually eat lunch?adverbseat well (=have enough food, or have good food) The people work hard, but they eat well.eat healthily/sensibly (=eat food that will keep you healthy) If you eat healthily and exercise regularly, you’ll look and feel a lot better.welleat properly British English, eat right American English (=eat food that will keep you healthy) He hadn’t been eating properly and was drinking far too much.beeatbedrinkeat hungrily (=eat a lot quickly, because you are very hungry) The children ate hungrily, devouring everything on their plate.childeatdevoureat sparingly (=eat very little) Carter joined us for lunch, but ate sparingly, as he always did.joineatdophraseshave something/nothing to eat (=eat something/nothing) We’ll leave after we’ve had something to eat.havehave enough/plenty etc to eat Have you had enough to eat?havehave little to eat (=not have enough food) The refugees had very little to eat and no clean water.refugeehavefind something to eat I got dressed and went downstairs to find something to eat.getdressgoget something to eat (=prepare or buy some food) I’m sure you can get something to eat on the train.sb’s eating habits (=the kinds of things they eat or drink regularly) The doctor asked me about my eating habits and how much I smoked.askeathabitsmokean eating disorder (=a mental illness which causes you to eat too much or too little) She described her battle with the eating disorder bulimia.describeeata bite to eat (=a small meal) We should have time for a bite to eat before we set out.shalleat like a horse (=eat a lot) She eats like a horse but never puts on any weight!eatputeat like a bird (=eat very little) Ever since she was a child, Jan had always eaten like a bird.behaveeatI couldn’t eat another thing spoken (=used to say that you are completely full) Thanks, that was lovely, but I couldn’t eat another thing.thankbeTHESAURUSeat to put food in your mouth and chew and swallow it: Experts recommend eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.experteatvegetablehave to eat a particular food: ‘What do you usually have for breakfast?’ ‘I usually just have coffee and toast.’ | We had the set meal.havefeed on something to eat a particular kind of food – used when talking about animals: Foxes feed on a wide range of foods including mice, birds, insects, and fruit.foxfoodincludemousebirdinsectconsume written to eat or drink something – used especially in scientific or technical contexts: Babies consume large amounts relative to their body weight.babyamountmunch (on) something to eat something with big continuous movements of your mouth, especially when you are enjoying your food: He was munching on an apple.bemunch | They were sitting on a bench munching their sandwiches.besitmunchsandwichnibble (on) something to eat something by biting off very small pieces: If you want a healthy snack, why not just nibble on a carrot?pick at something to eat only a small amount of your food because you are not hungry or do not like the food: Lisa was so upset that she could only pick at her food.becanstuff/gorge yourself to eat so much food that you cannot eat anything else: He’s always stuffing himself with cakes.stuffcake | We gorged ourselves on my mother’s delicious apple tart.gorgeslurp to eat soup, noodles etc with a noisy sucking sound: In England it’s considered rude to slurp your soup, but in some countries it’s seen as a sign of enjoyment.considercountryseeto eat something quicklygobble something up/down informal to eat something very quickly, especially because you like it very much or you are greedy: You’ve gobbled up all the ice-cream!gobble | The children gobbled it down in no time.childgobblewolf something down informal to eat food quickly, especially because you are very hungry or in a hurry: The boy wolfed down everything on his plate and asked for more.wolfaskbolt something down British English to eat food very quickly, especially because you are in a hurry: He bolted down his breakfast and was out of the door within 5 minutes.boltbeminute | You shouldn’t bolt your food down like that.devour /dɪˈvaʊə $ -ˈvaʊr/ especially written to eat all of something quickly because you are very hungry: In a very short time, the snake had devoured the whole animal.havedevourto eat less food or stop eatingbe on a diet to be eating less or different food than normal in order to become thinner: No cake thanks – I’m on a diet.thankfast to not eat for a period of time, often for religious reasons: Muslim people fast during the month of Ramadan.eat something ↔ away phrasal verb REDUCEto gradually remove or destroy something SYN erode: The stones are being eaten away by pollution.stonebebeeateat away at something/somebody phrasal verb1REMOVEto gradually remove or reduce the amount of something: His gambling was eating away at their income.gamblebeeat2WORRIEDto make someone feel very worried over a long period of time: The thought of mother alone like that was eating away at her.thinkbeeateat in phrasal verb to eat at home instead of in a restauranteat into something phrasal verb1REDUCEto gradually reduce the amount of time, money etc that is available: John’s university fees have been eating into our savings.feebeeatsaving2DAMAGEDESTROYto gradually damage or destroy something: Acid eats into the metal, damaging its surface.eatdamageeat out phrasal verb to eat in a restaurant instead of at home: Do you eat out a lot?eat up phrasal verb1EATto eat all of something: Come on, eat up, there’s a good girl.eat something ↔ upShe’s made a cake and wants us to help eat it up.makewant2eat something ↔ up informalUSE/CONSUME to use a lot of something, especially until there is none left: Big cars just eat up money.car3be eaten up with/by jealousy/anger/curiosity etcVERY to be very jealous, angry etc, so that you cannot think about anything else
verb
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: entrer, from Latin intrare, from intra ‘inside’ Verb form1go into a)[intransitive and transitive]ENTER to go or come into a place:
Silence fell as I entered the room.fallenterFew reporters dared to enter the war zone.reporterdare b)[transitive]ENTER if an object enters part of something, it goes inside it: The bullet had entered his brain.haveenter2start working [intransitive and transitive]JOIN AN ORGANIZATION to start working in a particular profession or organization, or to start studying at a school or university: Both the boys entered the army.boyenterShe entered politics in 1996.enterHe entered the Church (=became a priest) as a young man.enter3start an activity [transitive]TAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to start to take part in an activity, or become involved in a situation: He entered the election as the clear favourite.enterThe rebels were prepared to enter negotiations (=start discussing something).rebelbepreparenegotiation4computer a)[transitive] to put information into a computer by pressing the keys: Press the return key to enter the information.enter something into somethingThe names are entered into a database.namebeenter b)[intransitive and transitive] if you enter a computer system, you are given permission to use it by the computer: It won’t let you enter without a password.win5write information [transitive]WRITE to write information on a particular part of a form, document etc: Don’t forget to enter your postcode.enter in/intoEnter your name in the space provided.provide6TAKE PART/BE INVOLVEDcompetition/examination [intransitive and transitive] to arrange to take part in a race, competition, examination etc, or to arrange for someone else to take part: At least 30 schools entered the competition.littleschoolenterenter forDecisions about when he or she is entered for an examination should be taken very carefully.decisionbeentershalltake7period of time [transitive] to begin a period of time when something happens: The economy has entered a period of recession.haveenterenter its third week/sixth day/second year etcThe talks have now entered their third week.talkenter8start to exist [transitive]CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT if a new idea, thought etc enters your head, or a new quality enters something, it suddenly starts to exist there: A note of panic entered her voice.enterit never entered sb’s head/mind (=used to say that someone never considered a particular idea, especially when this is surprising)It never entered his head that she might be seeing someone else.entersee9enter sb’s lifeEFFECT/INFLUENCE if someone or something enters your life, you start to know them or be affected by them: By the time Angie entered his life, he was almost 30.enterbe10official statement [transitive] formal to make an official statement: Wilson entered a plea of not guilty (=said that he was not guilty at the beginning of a court case).enterResidents entered a number of objections to the scheme.residententernumbobjectionTHESAURUSenter to go or come into a place. Enter is more formal than go in: It appears the burglars entered the house through a back window.appearburglarenter | Occupying troops entered the town on 8th April.occupytroopentergo in/into something to enter a place. Go in/into is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: It was getting cold so we went in.begetgo | He went into the cafe and ordered a drink.goordercome in/into something to enter a place – used when you are already in that place: Come in and sit down. | When you come into the village, you’ll see the church on your right.get in/into something to succeed in entering a place, especially when it is difficult or it takes a long time: I’d lost my key so I couldn’t get in.lose | You can’t get into the club if you are under 18.bebreak in/into something to enter a building using force, for example in order to steal something: If anyone tries to break in, the alarm will go off.tryburst in/into something to enter a room or building very suddenly and noisily: Two men with guns burst in and told us to lie on the floor.manguntell | He burst into my office laughing and screaming like a maniac.laughscreambarge in/into something to suddenly enter a room where you are not wanted because you are interrupting someone or you were not invited: She just barged into my room without knocking.bargeknock | You can’t just go barging in.bargesneak in/into something to enter a place quietly and secretly hoping that no one will notice you: If you’re late, just try and sneak into the back of the class.slip in/into something to enter a place quietly and quickly: Maggie opened the door silently and slipped in.opensliptrespass formal to enter an area of land that belongs to someone else without permission: The sign said ‘Trespassers will be prosecuted’.saytrespasserprosecute | Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence in the UK.trespassbeenter into something phrasal verb1enter into an agreement/contract etc to make an official agreement to do somethingenter into an agreement/contract etc withSome local authorities have entered into partnership with private companies.authorityentercompany2START DOING STHto start discussing or dealing with something: It could be a problem, but we don’t need to enter into that just yet.canenter into discussions/negotiations (with somebody)The government refused to enter into discussions with the opposition.refusediscussion3CONNECTED WITH[usually in negatives] to affect a situation and be something that you consider when you make a choice: He always buys the best – money doesn’t enter into it.buywell4enter into the spirit of it/thingsTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to take part in a game, party etc in an eager wayenter upon something phrasal verb formal TAKE PART/BE INVOLVEDto start doing something or being involved in it: countries newly entering upon industrializationcountryenter
noun [countable]
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: dream ‘noise, great happiness’ 1while sleepingDREAM a series of thoughts, images, and feelings that you experience when you are asleep → daydream:
I had lots of dreams last night.havelotdreamdream abouta dream about drowningdrownin a dreamIn my dream I flew to a forest of enormous trees.flytree2wishHOPE a wish to do, be, or have something – used especially when this seems unlikely: Her dream is to make a movie.bedream of (doing) somethingShe had dreams of university.havedreamfulfil/realize a dreamI fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion.fulfilbecomeI have just met the man of my dreams (=the perfect man)!meetdreambeyond your wildest dreams (=better than anything you imagined or hoped for)3dream house/home/job etc something that seems perfect to someone: I’ve finally found my dream house.findWin a dream holiday for two in San Francisco!4in a dreamIMAGINE having a state of mind in which you do not notice or pay attention to things around you: Ruth went about her tasks in a dream.gotask5be a dream come trueWANT if something is a dream come true, it happens after you have wanted it to happen for a long time: Marriage to her is a dream come true.be6like a dreamEFFECTIVE extremely well or effectively: The plan worked like a dream.work7be/live in a dream worldIMAGINE to have ideas or hopes that are not correct or likely to happen: If you think that all homeless people have it as easy as me, then you are living in a dream world.belive8BEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKINGbe a dream be perfect or very desirable: Her latest boyfriend is an absolute dream.latebeSome performers are a dream to work with; others are not.performerbebesb’s dream (=something someone would really like)She’s every adolescent schoolboy’s dream.9in your dreams spokenIMAGINE used to say in a rude way that something is not likely to happen: ‘I’m going to ask her to go out with me.’ ‘In your dreams!’godreamCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbshave a dream I had a dream about you last night.haveadjectivesa bad dream (=unpleasant or frightening) The movie gave the kids bad dreams.givekiddreama strange/weird dream Sometimes I have a strange dream in which I try to speak but I can’t.a vivid dream (=very clear) In a vivid dream he saw a huge coloured bird flying above his head.seecolourflya recurrent/recurring dream (=that you have many times) Having recurrent dreams is a very common experience.havedreambephrasesbe/seem like a dream (=seem unreal) That summer was so wonderful it seemed like a dream.beseemSweet dreams! (=said to someone who is going to bed) Good night, Sam! Sweet dreams!dreamCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave a dream/dreams I had dreams of becoming a doctor.havedreambecomeachieve/fulfil/realize a dream (=do or get what you want) He had finally achieved his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.haveachievewinpursue/follow a dream (=try to do or get what you want) She left her home town to pursue her dreams.leavedreamdream a dream literary (=have a wish) We can dream great dreams for ourselves and others.dreamADJECTIVES/NOUN + dream big/great dreams (=a wish to achieve great things) She was a little girl with big dreams.bedreaman impossible dream (=about something that cannot happen) Having a number one record had seemed an impossible dream.havenumbhaveseema childhood dream (=that you had when you were a child) I had a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.havebecomea lifelong dream (=that you have had all your life) His lifelong dream had been to write a novel.havebea distant dream (=that it will take a long time to achieve) Peace in this area may still be a distant dream.phrasesa dream comes true (=something you want happens) I’d always wanted to go to Africa and at last my dream came true.wantcomethe man/woman/house etc of your dreams (=the perfect one for you) We can help you find the house of your dreams.dreamnot/never in your wildest dreams (=used to say that you had never expected something to happen) Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win the competition.wilddreamdowillbeyond your wildest dreams (=better or more than you ever hoped for) Suddenly he was wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.bewilddreamTHESAURUSwhen you are sleepingdream the thoughts, images, and feelings that go through your mind while you are asleep: I had a strange dream last night -- you and I were in some sort of forest.havebenightmare a very unpleasant and frightening dream: She still has terrible nightmares about the accident.havenightmaredaydream a series of pleasant thoughts that go through your mind when you are awake, so that you do not notice what is happening around you: Neil was in a daydream, and didn’t hear the teacher call his name.bereverie formal a state of imagining or thinking about pleasant things, that is like dreaming: The doorbell rang, shaking her from her reverie.ringshakesomething that you want to dodream something very special that you want to do and that you think about a lot, especially something that is not very likely to happen: As a teenager, his dream was to become a professional footballer.beambition something that you want to achieve and that you work hard to achieve, especially in your work: My ambition had always been to start my own business.havebeaspirations the important things that people want from their lives – used especially about the things a society or a large group of people wants: It’s important that young people think seriously about their career aspirations.aspirationfantasy something exciting that you imagine happening to you, which is extremely unlikely to happen and often involves sex: schoolboy fantasiesfantasypipe dream a dream that is impossible or is extremely unlikely to happen: Is world peace no more than a pipe dream?be
dreamverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdreamdreamsdreameddreamtdreamingdreamdream2 S3 W3 verb (past tense and past participle dreamed or dreamt /dremt/)
Word familyVerb form1THINK ABOUTwish [intransitive and transitive] to think about something that you would like to happen or havedream of/about (doing) somethingShe dreamed of becoming a chef.dreambecomeHe’s got the sort of money that you and I can only dream about.getdream (that)She dreamed that one day she would be famous.dreamwill2while sleeping [intransitive and transitive]DREAM to have a dream while you are asleepdream aboutI dreamt about you last night.dreamdream (that)It’s quite common to dream that you’re falling.fall3not pay attention [intransitive] to think about something else and not give your attention to what is happening around you SYN daydream: She had been dreaming and had not followed the conversation.havebedreamhavefollow4imagine [intransitive and transitive]IMAGINE to imagine that you have done, seen, or heard something that you have not: I was sure I posted the letter but I must have dreamt it.bepostdream5never dreamed (that) used to say that you did not think that something would happen: We never dreamed that we would get through to the next round.dreamwill6wouldn’t dream of (doing) something spokenNOT DO STH used to say that you would never do something because you think it is bad or wrong: I wouldn’t dream of letting strangers look after my own grandmother!letstranger7who would have dreamt that ...? spokenSURPRISED used to express surprise about something that has happened: Who would have dreamt that this would happen?willdreamwilldream something ↔ away phrasal verb WASTE STHto waste time by thinking about what may happen: She would just sit in her room dreaming away the hours.willdreamhourdream on phrasal verb [only in imperative] spoken HOPEused to tell someone that they are hoping for something that will not happen: You think I’m going to help you move house? Dream on!godream something ↔ up phrasal verb INVENTto think of a plan or idea, especially an unusual one: He was continually dreaming up new schemes to promote and enlarge the business.bedreamscheme
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin scientia ‘knowledge’, from scire ‘to know’ 1[uncountable] knowledge about the world, especially based on examining, testing, and proving facts:
Many leading scientists do not consider that science can give absolutely reliable knowledge.leadscientistthe founder of modern science, Isaac Newtondevelopments in science and technologydevelopment2[uncountable] the study of science: What did you do in science class today?do3[countable] a particular part of science, for example biology, chemistry, or physics: the physical sciencesscience4something is not an exact science used to say that something involves a lot of guessing and there is not just one right way to do it: Advertising is not an exact science – you’re always taking a risk.advertisebetake → domestic science, information science, natural science, physical science, social science, → blind somebody with science at blind2(4), → something is not rocket science at rocket science
noun [countable]Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Vulgar Latin rupta (via) ‘broken way’, from Latin ruptus ‘broken’ 1WAY/ROUTEa way from one place to anotherroute to/from
What’s the best route to Cambridge?welltake/follow a route (=use a route)We weren’t sure about which route we should take.shallthe most direct route home2WAY/ROUTEa way between two places that buses, planes, ships etc regularly travelbus/air/shipping etc routeIs your office on a bus route?becycle route (=a way between two places that only people on bicycles can use)3WAY/METHODa way of doing something or achieving a particular resultroute tothe surest route to disastersureKennedy arrived at the same conclusion by a different route.arrive4Route 66/54 etc used to show the number of a main road in the US → paper routeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + routea direct route The motorway is the most direct route.bethe best route Let's look at the map and work out the best route.wellthe quickest/shortest route We took the shortest route back to the hotel.takeshorta roundabout route (also a circuitous route formal) (=one that is not at all direct) Sorry we're late. We took a rather circuitous route.takethe scenic route (=a route that is not direct but goes through beautiful country) I decided to take the scenic route.decidea northerly/southerly etc route She followed the northerly route across Spain to Bilbao.followthe same route He had intended to return by the same route.haveintenda different route Is this a different route than the one we took before?betakean alternative route (=one that you can use instead) Holiday-makers bound for South Wales are advised to find an alternative route.makerbindbeadvisean escape route (=a way of leaving a building or place in an emergency such as a fire) Check that your escape route is clear.beverbsfollow a route Are we following the right route?befollowtake a route They had been forced to take a longer route.havebeforcelongplan your route We studied the map and planned our route.studyplanTHESAURUShow to go to a placeway the road, path, direction etc that you must take in order to get to a place: Are you sure this is the right way to the sea?bebe | Will you come with me? I don’t know the way.route a way from one place to another that people use regularly or that is shown on a map: There are two routes we could take but this is the quickest one.beroutecanbequick | the overland trade route between Europe and Chinadirections instructions on how to get to a place: Let’s stop and ask someone for directions.direction | If you follow these directions you’ll have no problem finding the house.directionfindshort cut a way of getting somewhere that is shorter than the usual way: Let’s take a short cut across the field. | Taxi-drivers know all the short cuts.drivercuthow to get to ... especially spoken used especially when you ask someone to tell you which is the right way: Can you tell me how to get to Grand Central Station? | It was getting dark and I wasn’t sure how to get home.beget
routeverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesrouteroutesroutedroutingrouteroute2 AC verb [transitive]Verb form SENDto send something somewhere using a particular routeroute something through/via somethingThey had to route the goods through Germany.havegood → re-route
verbWord familyVerb form1[transitive]MEASURE to find the size, length, or amount of something, using standard units such as inches, metres etc: The rainfall was measured over a three-month period.bemeasuremeasure somebody for something (=measure someone in order to make clothes for them)She was being measured for her wedding dress.bebemeasuremeasure something in somethingWe can measure the energy that food provides in calories.providecaloriemeasuring jug/cup/tape (=one used for measuring)2[transitive]JUDGE to judge the importance, value, or true nature of something SYN assess: Doctors say it is too early to measure the effectiveness of the drug.doctorbemeasure something by somethingEducation shouldn’t be measured purely by examination results.measureresult3[linking verb]MEASURE to be a particular size, length, or amount: The room measures 6 x 6 metres.measuremetreThe earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale.measure4[transitive] if a piece of equipment measures something, it shows or records a particular kind of measurement: An odometer measures the number of miles your car travels.measurenumbmiltravelmeasure somebody/something against somebody/something phrasal verb JUDGEto judge someone or something by comparing them with another person or thing: Bridget did not think she had to measure herself against some ideal standard.dohaveMeasured against our budget last year, $2.7 million seems small.measureseemmeasure something ↔ off phrasal verb to measure a particular length or distance, and make a mark so that you can see the beginning and end: He measured off three yards of rope.measureyardmeasure something ↔ out phrasal verb MEASUREto take a specific amount of liquid, powder etc from a larger amount: Measure out 100 grams of flour.grammeasure up phrasal verb1GOOD ENOUGHto be good enough to do a particular job or to reach a particular standard: We’ll give you a week’s trial in the job to see how you measure up.measure up toHow will the Secretary General measure up to his new responsibilities?responsibility2MEASUREto measure something before you do something, for example before you put in new furniture, cupboards etc: I’d better measure up before I start laying the carpet.welllaymeasure something ↔ upMeasure up any items that you want to keep in the kitchen.item
measurenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesmeasuremeasuresmeasuremeasure2 W2 noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: mesure, from Latin mensura, from metiri ‘to measure’ 1actionDO BADLY an action, especially an official one, that is intended to deal with a particular problem SYN step:
Measures are being taken to reduce crime in the city.measurebebetakedrastic/tough/extreme etc measuresdrastic measures to reduce traffic problemsmeasureproblemNew safety measures were being demanded after last night’s horrific train crash.measurebebedemandThe new bridge was erected as a temporary measure to replace the one which was destroyed by floods.beerectbedestroyfloodprecautionary/preventative measure (=something done to stop something bad from happening)He was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.bekeep2half measuresGOOD ENOUGH things done to deal with a difficult situation that are not effective or firm enough: This was no time for half measures and compromises.bemeasurecompromise3sign/proof be a measure of something formalIMPORTANT be a sign of the importance, strength etc of something, or a way of testing or judging something: The flowers and tears at the funeral were a measure of the people’s love for her.flowertearbeExam results are not necessarily a true measure of a student’s abilities.resultbeability4amount a measure of somethingLITTLE/NOT MUCH an amount of something good or something that you want, for example success or freedom: The new law gives local governments a significant measure of control over their own finances.givegovernmentfinanceI met a number of sportsmen who had achieved a measure of success (=some success).meetnumbsportsmanhaveachieve5unit of measurementMEASURE a)an amount or unit in a measuring system: a table of weights and measuresweightmeasure b)a standard amount of an alcoholic drink6in large measure/in some measureAMOUNT a lot or quite a lot – used when talking about the reason or cause of something: The improvements are due in large measure to his leadership.improvementbe7in equal measure used when the amount of one thing is the same as the amount of another thing: I was angry and embarrassed in equal measure.beembarrass8for good measureADD in addition to what you have already done, given, or included: Why don’t you try phoning them one more time, for good measure?phone9beyond measureBIG very much or very great – used when you want to emphasize what you are saying: Her work has improved beyond measure.haveimprove10the full measure of something formalALL/EVERYTHING the whole of something: Ralph received the full measure of his mother’s devotion.receive11in full measureCOMPLETELY formal if someone gives something back in full measure, they give back as much as they received: They returned our hospitality in full measure.return12have/get the measure of somethingJUDGE to become familiar with something, so that you can control or deal with it13have/get the measure of somebody British EnglishJUDGE to know what someone’s strengths and weaknesses are, so that you are able to deal with them or defeat them: She soon got the measure of her opponent.get14thing used for measuringMEASURE something used for measuring, for example a piece of wood or a container → tape measure15music a group of notes and rests, separated from other groups by vertical lines, into which a piece of music is divided SYN bar British English → made-to-measure, → give somebody short measure at short1(23)COLLOCATIONSverbstake measures (=do something in order to deal with a problem) We are taking measures to improve the situation.betakemeasureadopt/introduce a measure (=start using a particular way of dealing with a problem) The countries agreed to adopt measures to reduce pollution.countryagreemeasurea measure is aimed at doing something The measures were aimed at reducing the speed of cars on the roads.measurebeaimreducecarroadADJECTIVES/NOUN + measure a safety measure New safety measures were implemented after the rail crash.measurebeimplementa security measure (=something done to keep a place safe from danger or crime) Video surveillance cameras have been installed as a security measure.camerabeinstalla preventative/precautionary measure (=something done to prevent something bad) Vaccination against disease is a sensible preventative measure.bea extreme measure The public would not be in favour of such an extreme measure.willa drastic measure (=an extreme measure) Drastic measures are needed if we are to combat global warming.measurebeneedbewarma temporary measure (=something done for a limited period of time to deal with a problem) The tents were used as a temporary measure to replace homes destroyed in the floods.tentbeusehomedestroyflooda necessary measure The army will take all necessary measures to protect the public.measurean appropriate measure (=a measure that is suitable for a particular situation) In the event of an assault, staff will need to take appropriate measures to defend themselves.measurephrasesa package/series of measures (=a set of measures used to deal with something) A package of road safety measures has been announced.measurehavebeannounceTHESAURUSaction noun [countable] something that someone does: He is responsible for his own actions.beaction | They refused to give a reason for their actions.refuseactionact noun [countable] a particular type of action: violent actsact | act of violence/kindness/defiance etc: I believe the killing was an act of desperation.killbeactivities noun [plural] things that people do, especially for enjoyment or to achieve an aim: leisure activitiesactivity | political activitiesactivity | Surveys may not give a true picture of people’s activities.surveyactivitybehaviour British English, behavior American English noun [uncountable] the things that someone does and the way they behave: Do you think that advertisements really influence people’s behaviour?advertisement | The man’s behaviour seemed rather odd.seemmove noun [countable] something that you do in order to achieve something: Her decision to sell the shares had been a smart move.sharehavebe | It’s a bold move to start a business in the current economic climate. | He needed time to figure out his next move.needstep noun [countable] one of a series of things that you do in order to deal with a problem or to succeed: The first step is to make sure we have got funding for the project.begetfund | We must take steps to make sure that this does not happen again.stepdo | This is an important step towards peace.bemeasure noun [countable] an official action that is intended to deal with a particular problem: There are increased security measures at airports.beincreasemeasureairport | The school was closed as a precautionary measure following a chemical leak.beclosefollowgesture noun [countable] something that you do to show how you feel about someone or something: Do you think it would be a nice gesture to send her some flowers?willflower | gesture of goodwill/solidarity/defiance: The company gave us £100 as a gesture of goodwill.givedeed noun [countable] especially literary an action, especially one that is very good or very bad: evil deedsdeed | heroic deedsdeed | This is my good deed for the day.beexploits noun [plural] formal exciting or brave actions: daring exploitsdareexploit | His exploits were legendary.exploitbefeat noun [countable] something someone does that people admire because you need a lot of skill, courage, or strength to do it: Completing a marathon is a remarkable feat for a six-year-old.completebe | The bridge is a great feat of engineering.beengineer
adjective (comparative poorer, superlative poorest)
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: povre, from Latin pauper 1no moneyPOOR a)having very little money and not many possessions OPP rich:
Her family were so poor they couldn’t afford to buy her new clothes.beclothean area where poor people livedliveone of the poorest countries in the worldpoorcountrya poor part of Chicago (=where a lot of poor people live)My grandparents grew up dirt poor (=very poor).grandparentgrowdesperately/extremely poorMany of the families are desperately poor.familybe b)the poor [plural]POOR people who are poor: It’s the government’s responsibility to help the poor.the rural/urban/working poortax relief for the working poorwork2not goodBAD not as good as it could be or should be: The soil in this area is very poor.bepoor rates of payrateHe blames himself for the team’s poor performance.blameof poor quality (=not made well or not made of good materials)The jacket was of very poor quality.bepoor hearing/eyesight/memoryHer hearing is poor, so speak fairly loudly.hearbemake/do a poor job of doing somethingThe builders did a really poor job of fixing our roof.builderdofix3sympathy [only before noun] spokenUNLUCKY used to show sympathy for someone because they are so unlucky, unhappy etc: Poor kid, he’s had a rough day.haveYou poor thing, you’ve had a hard time of it, haven’t you?havePoor old Ted was sick for weeks.beweek4not good at somethingBAD AT not good at doing something: a poor public speakerpoor atHe’s poor at sports.sport5healthILL someone whose health is poor is ill or weak for a long period of time: My parents are both in rather poor health.parentbe6poor in somethingNOT HAVE lacking something that is needed: The country is poor in natural resources.beresource7a poor second/third etcLOSE A GAME, COMPETITION, OR WAR the act of finishing a race, competition etc a long way behind the person ahead of you: McLean won easily, and Benson was a poor second.winbecome (in) a poor second/third etc British English: The Socialists came a poor second with 26.5% of the vote.socialistcome8the poor man’s somebody used to say that someone is like a very famous performer, writer etc but is not as good as they are: He was the poor man’s Elvis Presley.be9the poor man’s something used to say that something can be used for the same purpose as something else, and is much cheaper: Herring is the poor man’s salmon.be10poor relation British EnglishFAIL someone or something that is not treated as well as other members of a group or is much less successful than they arepoor relation ofTheatre musicians tend to be the poor relations of the musical profession.musicianrelation → be in bad/poor taste at taste1(6), → poorlyCOLLOCATIONSadverbsextremely poor His parents were extremely poor.parentbedesperately poor (=so poor that it causes great suffering) Half the population remains desperately poor.remaindirt poor American English informal (=extremely poor) We were dirt poor back then.beadjectivesthe rural poor (=poor people who live in the countryside) Difficult economic conditions have driven millions of the rural poor to cities.conditiondrivecitythe urban poor (=poor people who live in towns and cities) The condition of the urban poor could no longer be ignored.canlongignorethe working poor (=poor people who have jobs, rather than unemployed people) These tax-cut proposals are targeted at the working poor.proposalbetargetworkTHESAURUSpoor having very little money and not many possessions – used about people or places: Many families were too poor to pay for education.familybe | poor countriescountryhard up/broke (also skint British English) [not before noun] informal having very little money, especially for a short period of time. Skint is more informal than the other words: I’m a bit hard up at the momentbite | We were so broke we couldn’t afford to go out to the cinema.bebreakdeveloping [only before noun] a developing country is poor and has very little industry: The disease is found mainly in developing countries.befinddevelopcountry | the developing worlddevelopdeprived [usually before noun] much poorer than other people in a country, and not having the things that are necessary for a comfortable or happy life – used about people and areas: The charity works with deprived children in the inner city.workdeprivechild | one of the most deprived areas of Londondepriveareadisadvantaged especially written used about groups of people in society who have much less chance of being successful because they are poor: An increase in the minimum wage would help the most disadvantaged Americans.willdisadvantageneedy having very little money, and so needing help – used about groups of people: More help should be given to needy families.shallgivefamily | We offer scholarships for needy students.scholarshipstudentdestitute especially written having no money or possessions and nowhere to live – used when someone is in a very bad situation: Her family was left destitute after her father died.beleavedie | destitute refugeesrefugeeimpoverished formal impoverished people and places are very poor: out-of-work miners and their impoverished familiesminerimpoverishfamily | The children come from impoverished neighbourhoods.childimpoverishneighbourhood | one of the world’s most impoverished countriesimpoverishcountrypoverty-stricken written extremely poor: poverty-stricken areasarea | They were left poverty-stricken.beleavepenniless especially literary having no money: She died penniless.die | a penniless studentCOLLOCATIONS CHECKdeprived area/children/homes/backgrounddisadvantaged groups/children/students/backgroundneedy children/students/familiesimpoverished families/areas/countriespoverty-stricken areas/countries/people
adjective (comparative hotter, superlative hottest)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hat 1high temperatureHOT a)something that is hot has a high temperature – used about weather, places, food, drink, or objects OPP cold:
a hot day in JulyIt’s so hot in here. Can I open the window?Be careful, the water’s very hot.The bar serves hot and cold food.servepeople who live in hot countries (=where the weather is usually hot)countryscorching/baking/roasting hot (also boiling/broiling hot )American English (=used about weather that is very hot)a scorching hot week in Augustscorchstifling/sweltering/unbearably hot (=used about weather that is very hot and uncomfortable)The office gets unbearably hot in summer.getboiling/scalding/steaming hot (=used about liquid that is extremely hot)The coffee was scalding hot.bescaldpiping hot (=used about food that is nice and hot)Serve the soup piping hot.pipered hot (=used to describe an object or surface that is very hot)The handle was red hot.bewhite hot (=used to describe metal that is extremely hot)He held the metal in the flame until it became white hot.holdbecome b)HOTif you feel hot, your body feels hot in a way that is uncomfortable: I was hot and tired after the journey.betireThe wine made her feel hot.make c)if clothes are hot, they make you feel too hot in a way that is uncomfortable: This sweater’s too hot to wear inside.2spicy food that tastes hot has a burning taste because it contains strong spices OPP mild: a hot curry3very popular/fashionable informalSUCCESSFUL something or someone that is hot is very popular or fashionable, and everyone wants to use them, see them, buy them etc: one of the hottest young directors in HollywoodhotdirectorMichael Owen is already one of soccer’s hottest properties (=actors or sports players who are very popular).behotpropertyThe movie is going to be this summer’s hot ticket (=an event that is very popular or fashionable, and that everyone wants to go and see).begobe the hottest thing since (sliced bread) (=used about someone or something that is very good and popular, so that everyone wants them)4good informal very good, especially in a way that is exciting: a hot young guitar playera hot piece of softwareHis new film is hot stuff (=very good).bebe hot at doing somethingShe’s pretty hot at swimming, too.swimnot so hot/not very hot informal (=not very good)Some of the tracks on the record are great, but others are not so hot.trackbebebe hot shit American English informal not polite (=used about someone or something that people think is very good)5sexy a)informal someone who is hot is very attractive sexually: The girls all think he’s hot stuff.girl b)informal a film, book, photograph etc that is hot is sexually exciting: his hot and steamy first novel c)a hot date informal a meeting with someone who you feel very attracted to sexually: She has a hot date with Michel.have d)be hot on/for somebody informalATTRACT to be sexually attracted to someone6difficult/dangerous [not before noun] informalPROBLEM difficult or dangerous to deal with: If things get too hot (=a situation becomes too difficult or dangerous to deal with), I can always leave.thingWilkinson found his opponent a little too hot to handle (=too difficult to deal with or beat).findThe climate was too hot politically to make such radical changes.bechange7a hot issue/topic etcDISAGREE a subject that a lot of people are discussing, especially one that causes a lot of disagreement: The affair was a hot topic of conversation.beone of the hottest issues facing medical sciencehotissueface8in the hot seat in an important position and responsible for making difficult decisions9in hot waterSERIOUS SITUATION if someone is in hot water, they are in trouble because they have done something wrong: The finance minister found himself in hot water over his business interests.findinterestland/get yourself in hot waterShe got herself in hot water with the authorities.getauthority10angryANGRY a)get hot under the collar spoken to become angry – used especially when people get angry in an unreasonable way about something that is not important: I don’t understand why people are getting so hot under the collar about it.beget b)have a hot temperANGRY someone who has a hot temper becomes angry very easily → hot-tempered11hot and bothered informal upset and confused because you have too much to think about or because you are in a hurry: People were struggling with bags and cases, looking hot and bothered.bestrugglebagcaselookbother12have/hold something in your hot little hand informal used to emphasize that you have something: You’ll have the report in your hot little hands by Monday.hand13recent/exciting newsINTERESTING hot news is about very recent events and therefore interesting or exciting: Do you want to hear about all the latest hot gossip?late14be hot off the press if news or a newspaper is hot off the press, it has just recently been printed15chasing somebody/something closely a)in hot pursuit following someone quickly and closely because you want to catch them: The car sped away, with the police in hot pursuit.speed b)hot on sb’s trail/tail close to and likely to catch someone you have been chasing: The other car was hot on his tail.be c)hot on sb’s heelsFOLLOW following very close behind someone: Mrs Bass’s dog was already hot on his heels.beheel16come/follow hot on the heels of somethingAFTER to happen or be done very soon after something else: The news came hot on the heels of another plane crash.comeheel17hot on the trail of something very close to finding something: journalists hot on the trail of a news storyjournalist18blow/go hot and cold to keep changing your mind about whether you like or want to do something: She keeps blowing hot and cold about the wedding.keepblow19go hot and cold to experience a strange feeling in which your body temperature suddenly changes, because you are very frightened, worried, or shocked20I don’t feel too hot/so hot/very hot spoken informal I feel slightly ill: I’m not feeling too hot today.feel21be hot on something informal a)KNOW STHto know a lot about something: He’s pretty hot on aircraft. b)STRICT British English to be very strict about something SYN tight: The company is very hot on security.be22be hot for something informal to be ready for something and want it very much: Europe is hot for a product like this.beHe was hot for revenge.be23be hot to trot informal a)to be ready to do something or be involved with something b)to feel sexually excited and want to have sex with someone24hot competition if the competition between people or companies is hot, they are all trying very hard to win or succeed: Competition for the best jobs is getting hotter all the time.welljobbegethot25hot favourite the person, team, horse etc that people think is most likely to win26hot tip a good piece of advice about the likely result of a race, business deal etc: a hot tip on the stock market27stolen goods informalSTEAL goods that are hot have been stolen28music informal music that is hot has a strong exciting rhythm29more something than you’ve had hot dinners British English spoken humorous used to say that someone has had a lot of experience of something and has done it many times: She’s delivered more babies than you’ve had hot dinners.deliverbabyhavedinner30hot money money that is frequently moved from one country to another in order to make a profit → hotly, hotsTHESAURUSpersonhot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: I feel really hot. | The travellers were hot, tired, and thirsty.travellerbetirewarm a little hot, especially in a way that feels comfortable: Are you warm enough?be | We had to keep moving in order to keep warm.havemoveboiling (hot) spoken very hot: You must be boiling in that sweater!boil | ‘I’m going for a swim,' said Gary. ’I’m boiling.'gosayboil | I felt boiling hot and tried to open one of the windows.feelboiltrywindowfeverish feeling very hot because you are ill: His head ached and he felt feverish.achefeel | Hannah was slightly feverish, so we decided to call the doctor.bedecideweatherhot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: a hot day | It’s too hot to do any work.warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: a warm summer’s eveningeven | It’s supposed to be a bit warmer tomorrow.supposebitewarmboiling (hot) spoken very hot: The weather was boiling hot.beboil | a boiling hot dayboil | It was absolutely boiling this lunchtime.beboilbaking (hot) British English very hot and dry: a baking hot afternoonbake | The weather was baking hot and conditions at the camp became unbearable.bebakeconditionbecome | It’s baking out there in the garden – I need a drink.bakescorching (hot) very hot: It was another scorching hot July day.bescorch | When we got there, the weather was scorching.getbescorch | Arizona is scorching hot every day.bescorchhumid/muggy hot and damp: This week sees a return to more humid conditions.seecondition | Hong Kong gets very humid at this time of year.get | In June the weather was often muggy in the evenings.beevening | It was a warm muggy afternoon, and it looked like it would rain.belookwillroomhot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: The office was uncomfortably hot.be | The meeting was in a tiny hot room with no air conditioning.meetbeconditionwarm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: It’s nice and warm by the fire. | They were all sitting in the warm kitchen, sipping mugs of cocoa.besitsipmugboiling (hot) spoken very hot: It’s boiling in here. Can I open the window?boil | a boiling hot New York recording studioboilrecordlike an oven much too hot in a way that is uncomfortable – used about rooms and buildings: The inside of the shed was like an oven.befood/liquid/something you touchhot: a hot drink | hot mealsmeal | Eat your food while it’s hot.warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: The bread was still warm from the oven.be | the warm waters of the Caribbeanwaterboiling (hot) spoken very hot: The water’s boiling hot.boil | Boiling-hot steam shoots out from underground.boilshoot | The mud in the pools is boiling.poolbeboillukewarm /ˌluːkˈwɔːm◂ $ -ˈwɔːrm◂/ slightly warm, but not hot enough – used about liquids: a cup of lukewarm coffee | The bath water was lukewarm.be
hotverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleshothotshottedhottinghothot2 verb (past tense and past participle hotted, present participle hotting)Verb formhot up phrasal verb British English informal1INCREASE IN ACTIVITY, FEELINGS ETCif something hots up, there is more activity or excitement: Things generally hot up a few days before the race.thingday2the pace hots up used to say that the speed of something increasesTHESAURUSdescribing the taste of somethingdelicious having a very good taste: This cake is delicious!be | a delicious mealdisgusting/revolting having a very bad taste: The medicine tasted disgusting.tastedisgust | They had to eat revolting things, like fish eyes.haverevoltthingeyesweet tasting full of sugar: The oranges were very sweet.orangebetasty especially spoken tasting good and with plenty of flavour: She cooked us a simple but tasty meal.cook | That was really tasty!besour/tart having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does – used especially when this is rather unpleasant: The apples were a little sour.applebe | The wine has rather a tart taste, which not everyone will like.havetangy having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does, in a way that seems good: The dressing was nice and tangy.dressbebitter having a strong taste which is not sweet and is sometimes rather unpleasant – used for example about black coffee, or chocolate without sugar: bitter chocolate | The medicine had rather a bitter taste.have | Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.hopsalty containing a lot of salt: Danish salami has a salty flavour.havehot/spicy having a burning taste because it contains strong spices: I love hot curries.curry | a spicy tomato saucepiquant /ˈpiːkənt/ formal a little spicy – used especially by people who write about food. This word can sound rather pretentious in everyday conversation: cooked vegetables in a piquant saucecookvegetablemild not having a strong or hot taste – usually used about foods that can sometimes be spicy: a mild currybland not having an interesting taste: I found the sauce rather bland.find
nounDate: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of impingere; → IMPINGE 1EFFECT/INFLUENCE[countable] the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or somethingimpact on/upon
We need to assess the impact on climate change.major/significant/profound etc impactHigher mortgage rates have already had a major impact on spending.highratehavespendimpact ofan international meeting to consider the environmental impacts of global warmingmeetimpactwarm ► Do not say ‘cause an impact’ on something. Say have an impact on something.2HIT/BUMP INTO[uncountable and countable] the force of one object hitting another: The force of the impact knocked the breath out of her.knock3on impactHIT/BUMP INTO at the moment when one thing hits another: The plane’s wing was damaged on impact.bedamageCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesbig/great Winning this competition could have a big impact on my life.wincan | His impact was greater than that of the Beatles.begreathuge/enormous/massive Industry has a huge impact on the environment we live in.have | The impact has been enormous on people's daily lives.havebelivesmall New technologies have only had a small impact on the overall level of employment.technologyhaveminimal/negligible (=very small and not important) The change in government had a minimal impact in the rural areas of the country.haveareapositive (=having a good effect) Cuts in federal spending should have a positive impact on America’s economic future.cutspendshallnegative/damaging (=having a bad effect) The expansion of the airport would have a negative impact on the environment.willdisastrous (=a very bad effect) His leg injury had a disastrous impact on his career as a footballer.havea major/significant impact (=important) The war had a major impact on French domestic politics.havea profound impact (=very important) Population growth has a profound impact on world food demand.havean adverse impact formal (=a bad effect) The loss of forests has had an adverse impact on bird populations.foresthavehavepopulationa real impact informal (=a big impact) The film made a real impact on cinema audiences.makeaudiencea lasting impact (=one that lasts for a long time) The arrival of the railways made a lasting impact on many sectors of the economy.railwaymakelastsectora long-term impact Scientists are calculating the long-term impact of the floods.scientistbecalculateflooda short-term/immediate impact A military attack may only have a short-term impact on terrorist activity.an emotional/psychological impact Their mother’s death had a huge emotional impact on the children.havechildan economic impact It is difficult to measure the economic impact of the war.bean environmental impact The environmental impact of the construction project is being investigated.bebeinvestigatethe full impact of something South Wales felt the full impact of the recession.feelthe potential/likely impact He’s studying the potential impact of climate change.studyverbshave an impact New technology has had a massive impact on our lives.havehavelivemake an impact The product quickly made an impact on the market.makefeel the impact of something The industry has felt the impact of rising fuel prices.havefeelrisepricereduce/lessen/soften the impact of something (=make it less severe or unpleasant) The chemical industry is looking at ways to reduce its impact on the environment.belookwaylose impact (=have less effect) The picture loses impact when it is reduced in size.losebereduceTHESAURUSeffect a change that is caused by an event, action etc: The people in this area are still suffering from the effects of the famine.besuffereffect | The treatment had little or no effect.haveimpact an effect that happens as a result of something important, especially a big and permanent effect: Changes in technology have had a massive impact on the way we work.changehave | the environmental impact of industrial activityinfluence the effect that something has on people’s opinions or behaviour, or on how something develops: American television has had a big influence on popular culture in the west.havehave | His ideas had a lot of influence at the time.ideahaveside effect an unwanted and unplanned effect that something has – used especially about drugs and medical treatment: Common side effects of the drug may include headaches and muscle pains.effectheadachepainafter-effects British English, aftereffects American English bad effects that continue for a long time after the thing that caused them: A traumatic experience can have severe psychological after-effects.effect | the after-effects of the wareffectrepercussions /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃəns $ -pər-// the effects that happen later as a result of an event or decision, especially a range of effects that continue for a long time: The scandal could have serious repercussions for her career.canrepercussion | The judge’s decision is likely to have important repercussions for future cases of this kind.berepercussioncasea knock-on effect British English used when something has an effect on something, which then has an effect on something else: Higher oil prices have a knock-on effect on other fuels.highpricefuelfootprint the effect that human activities have on the environment, caused by using up its natural resources, pollution, waste etc: Businesses all over the world must attempt to reduce their environmental footprint.business | The house has a low carbon footprint (=it uses very little energy from carbon and therefore is good for the environment).have
impactverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesimpactimpactsimpactedimpactingimpactim‧pact2 AC /ɪmˈpækt/ verb [intransitive and transitive] especially American EnglishVerb form EFFECT/INFLUENCEto have an important or noticeable effect on someone or somethingimpact on/uponThe Food Safety Act will progressively impact on the way food businesses operate.business
noun
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: skinn 1body [uncountable and countable] the natural outer layer of a person’s or animal’s body:
She had thick black hair and smooth dark skin.haveThe skin on his hands was dry and rough.handbe → skincare2from an animal [uncountable and countable] the skin of an animal, sometimes including its fur, used to make leather, clothes etc: a leopard skin3
food [uncountable and countable] a)the natural outer cover of some fruits and vegetables SYN peel: banana skinsskin b)the outer cover of a sausage4on a liquid [uncountable and countable] a thin solid layer that forms on the top of a liquid, especially when it gets cold: Cover the soup to stop a skin from forming.form5part of an object [countable] a layer that is part of a vehicle, building, object etc, especially on the outside: The outer skin of the aircraft was not punctured.bepunctureThe lampshade has a double skin so that it remains cool.haveremain6computer [uncountable and countable] the way particular information appears on a computer screen, especially when this can be changed quickly and easily7have (a) thin/thick skin to be easily upset or not easily upset by criticism: This is not a job for someone with thin skin.be8get under sb’s skin informalANNOY if someone gets under your skin, they annoy you, especially by the way they behave: What really gets under my skin is people who push straight to the front of the line.getbe9by the skin of your teeth informalJUST/A MOMENT AGO if you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed in doing it, and very nearly failed to do it: Two others made it by the skin of their teeth.maketooth10make sb’s skin crawl informal to make someone feel very uncomfortable or slightly afraid: Her singing makes my skin crawl.singmake11be skin and bone British Englishbe skin and bones American English informalTHIN PERSON to be extremely thin in a way that is unattractive and unhealthy12it’s no skin off sb’s nose spokenDON'T CARE used to say that someone does not care what another person thinks or does, because it does not affect them: If she doesn’t want me to help, it’s no skin off my nose!13something is only skin deep used to say that something may seem to be important or effective, but it really is not because it only affects the way things appear: Beauty is only skin deep.be14skins [plural] British English informal papers for rolling a cigarette, especially one with marijuana in it → save sb’s skin at save1(11), → jump out of your skin at jump1(4)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesfair/pale/white I have fair skin that burns very easily.burndark/brown/black a girl with beautiful dark skinolive (=the colour typical of people from Greece, Italy etc) a boy with dark eyes and olive skineyetanned His skin was slightly tanned.betansmooth/soft Her skin was smooth and pale.bebeautiful She had beautiful brown skin.havegood/healthy/clear (=smooth and without any red spots) Vitamin E helps keep your skin healthy.helpbad/terrible (=with many spots or marks) I had terrible skin when I was a teenager.havebe | My skin’s really bad at the moment.flawless (=perfect, with no spots or marks) The girls all had perfect features and flawless skin.girlhavefeaturedry A lot of women suffer from dry skin.womanoily My skin has a tendency to be oily.havesensitive (=becoming red or sore easily) Special shampoos are available for those with sensitive skin.shampoobeitchy (=making you want to scratch) The cream made my skin feel itchy.makerough (=not smooth or soft) The skin on his hands was rough and dry.handbeleathery (=thick and dry) a lean man with leathery skin and sea-blue eyeseyewrinkled (=covered in lines because of age) an old lady with wrinkled skinwrinklescaly (=hard and dry, like the skin on animals such as lizards) The crocodile’s scaly skin is ideally suited to its way of life.besuitverbsburn/damage your skin Strong sunlight can damage your skin.break the skin (=make a hole in it) Luckily the skin wasn't broken.breakprotect your skin It's important to use suntan lotion to protect your skin.irritate your skin (=make it red or sore) Some types of make-up can irritate your skin.typesoothe your skin (=to stop it feeling painful or uncomfortable ) The lotion helps to soothe your skin after you've been in the sun all day.helpbeyour skin glows/shines (=it looks healthy) beauty products that will make your skin glowproductyour skin peels (=the top layer comes off after you have had a sun tan ) The week after the holiday my skin was already starting to peel.bestartyour skin sags (=it hangs down in loose folds, because you are old) The skin on her arms was already starting to sag.armbestartskin + NOUNskin colour (also the colour of your skin) There is still discrimination on the basis of skin colour.beskin tone (=how light or dark someone’s skin is) Do the colours of your clothes enhance your skin tone?colourclothea skin condition/complaint/disease She suffers from a nasty skin condition.sufferskin irritation A lot of chemicals can cause skin irritation.chemicala skin rash Skin rashes are common among children.rashbechildskin cancer Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.
skinverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesskinskinsskinnedskinningskinskin2 verb (past tense and past participle skinned, present participle skinning) [transitive]Verb form1to remove the skin from an animal, fruit, or vegetable → peel: Add the tomatoes, skinned and sliced.tomatoskinslice2HURT/CAUSE PAINto hurt yourself by rubbing off some skin SYN graze: She fell and skinned her knee.fallskin3skin somebody alivePUNISH to punish someone very severely – used humorously: Dad will skin you alive when he sees this place!see4informalBEAT/DEFEAT to completely defeat someone SYN hammer: The football team really skinned Watertown last year.skin5there's more than one way to skin a cat used to say that there are several ways of achieving somethingskin up phrasal verb British English informal to make a cigarette with marijuana in it
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: popularis, from populus ‘people’ 1POPULARliked by a lot of people OPP unpopular:
Hilary was popular at school.bea popular holiday resortCoffee is probably the most popular drink in the world.behugely/enormously/immensely etc popularGuerrero’s music is hugely popular in Latin America.bepopular with/amongThe President is very popular with Jewish voters.bevoter2[only before noun]LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT done by a lot of people in a society, group etc: the closest popular vote in U.S. presidential historycloseThe government has little popular support among women voters.havewomanvoterKaplan’s latest recording has received considerable popular acclaim (=it is liked by a lot of people).laterecordhavereceivepopular belief/opinion/view (=a belief, opinion etc that a lot of people have)a survey of Hispanic-American popular opinionContrary to popular belief (=in spite of what many people believe), gorillas are basically shy, gentle creatures.gorillabecreaturea popular movement for democracy3[only before noun]CLASS IN SOCIETY relating to ordinary people, or intended for ordinary people: Wintour’s writing is full of references to American popular culture.writebereferenceSteele was ridiculed by the popular press.beridicule → pop musicCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adverbsvery popular She was a very popular teacher.beextremely popular The restaurant is extremely popular, owing to its high standard of food.beowehighly popular (=extremely popular) a highly popular radio stationimmensely/hugely/enormously popular His plays were immensely popular.playbewildly popular (=extremely popular – used especially about something that excites people) These bands are wildly popular in Cuba.bandbephenomenally popular (=extremely popular, to a degree that is surprising or unusual) Still her books remain phenomenally popular.bookincreasingly popular Business management courses are increasingly popular.coursebeuniversally popular (=liked by everyone) Some foods are universally popular.foodbeenduringly/perennially popular (=always popular) His most enduringly popular film is ‘Singin' in the Rain’.begenuinely popular He became Russia's first genuinely popular politician in a long time.becomeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounspopular support There was widespread popular support for the new law.bepopular demand She will be performing here again next month, by popular demand.performpopular belief/opinion Contrary to popular belief, cats are solitary animals.catbeanimalthe popular view The popular view bears little relation to the known facts.bearknowfacta popular misconception (=a wrong idea that many people have) There is a popular misconception that the town is at the most northerly tip of the country.bebethe popular vote He won the presidency with almost 86 percent of the popular vote.winthe popular imagination The characters in the series failed to catch the popular imagination.characterfailTHESAURUSpopular liked by a lot of people: a popular restaurant | Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations.bedestination | His films were hugely popular.filmbewell-liked used about someone who many people like: He is an experienced and well-liked member of the team.beexperiencelike | Stein is well-respected and well-liked by the troops.berespectliketroopbig/huge [not before noun] informal very popular, especially in a particular place: The band are big in Europe.be | Apparently this type of game is huge in Japan.behot informal someone or something that is hot, is very popular or fashionable and everyone wants to use them, see them, buy them etc: one of this year’s hottest fashion trendshottrend | a hot young singer from Nashvillesomething that is popularbestseller a book that a lot of people buy: His prize-winning book ‘A Year in Provence’ became an international bestseller.winbecomeblockbuster a film that a lot of people watch, especially an exciting film: a Hollywood blockbuster | a blockbuster moviehit something such as a song, show, or film which is very popular and successful: The band played all their old hits.playhit | The film was a box-office hit (=a lot of people went to see it at the cinema).be | She stars in ABC’s hit show ‘Desperate Housewives’.starhousewifesell-out a concert, sports event etc which so many people want to see that all the tickets are sold: The concert was a sell-out.be | the band’s sell-out tour of the UScult movie/band/figure etc a film, band, person etc that has become very popular and fashionable with a particular group of people: a cult TV programmecraze something that suddenly becomes popular, so that a lot of people do it, buy it etc: the latest dance craze that has been sweeping the USlatehavebesweep | the craze for ultra expensive designer jeansfad informal something that is very popular for a short time – used about something that you disapprove of, which you do not think will last for very long: Most diets are just fads.dietbefad | I think it’s a passing fad.pass
noun [countable]Date: 1700-1800Origin: camera obscura ‘box with a hole through which an image is made to appear on the inside of the box’ (18-21 centuries), from Modern Latin, ‘dark room’; → CHAMBER
1 a piece of equipment used to take photographs or make films or television programmes → camcorder, video cameraon/off camera (=while a camera is recording or not recording)The crime was caught on camera by police.becatch2in camera lawSECRET a law case that is held in camera takes place secretly or privatelyCOLLOCATIONSverbspoint a camera at somebody/something A group of Japanese tourists were pointing their cameras at the cathedral.touristbepointcamerafocus a camera on somebody/something (=point it very exactly at somebody/something) The TV cameras were focused on his face.camerabefocuspose for the camera (=sit or stand in a position in order to be photographed) Can you pose for the camera?be caught on camera (=be photographed, especially doing something wrong) The boys were caught on camera leaving the station.boybecatchleaveload a camera (=put a film in it) I had loaded my camera with a black and white film.haveloadset up a camera (=make a camera ready to use) The team set up their cameras some distance from the animals.cameraanimalinstall a camera (=in a building or public place, for security) Cameras have been installed on almost every street corner.camerabeinstalltypes of camera a digital camera (=an electronic camera that does not use film) The magazine has a review of the best digital cameras.havewellcameraa compact camera (=a small, simple camera that uses film) There are some very good compact cameras around.becameraa video camera (=that records moving pictures) They hired a video camera to use at their wedding.hirea television camera He never felt comfortable in front of television cameras.feelcameraa film/movie camera Karl trained the movie camera on him.traina security/surveillance camera (=a camera that takes photographs of people in buildings or public places) He was seen on a car park security camera.beseecamera + NOUNa camera lens A high quality camera lens is the key to taking good photographs.betakephotographcamera equipment Camera equipment worth £3000 was stolen in the robbery.besteala camera case (=for carrying a camera in) A camera case is essential for protecting your camera.beprotecta camera crew (=the people who work the cameras that make a film or programme) We can provide a professional camera crew for any type of production.
noun
Word familySense 1-5, 7-8:Language: French
Origin: choc, from choquer ‘to strike against’Sense 6:
Date: 1800-1900
Origin: Perhaps from shock ‘bunch of cut wheat, corn, etc.’ (14-20 centuries), or from shock ‘dog with long rough hair’ (17-19 centuries) 1unexpected event/situation [countable usually singular]SHOCK if something that happens is a shock, you did not expect it, and it makes you feel very surprised, and usually upsetshock to
The news of his death came as a great shock to everyone.comeit was a shock to find/discover etc thatIt was a real shock to hear that the factory would have to close.bewill2unexpected unpleasant feeling [singular, uncountable]SHOCK the feeling of surprise and disbelief you have when something very unexpected happens, especially something bad or frightening: She was shaking with shock and humiliation.beshakethe shock of (doing) somethingMom’s never really gotten over the shock of Dad’s death.get3medical [uncountable] a medical condition in which someone looks pale and their heart and lungs are not working correctly, usually after a sudden very unpleasant experience: He was bleeding from the head and suffering from shock.bebleedsufferHe is clearly in a state of shock.beThe tanker driver was treated for shock and released.betreatrelease4electricity [countable] an electric shock5vehicle [countable usually plural] a shock absorber6shock of hair a very thick mass of hair: an energetic young man with a shock of red hair7sudden change [countable] a sudden unexpected change which threatens the economic situation, way of life, or traditions of a group of people – used especially in news reports: the oil shocks of the 1970sshock8shaking [uncountable and countable]SHAKE violent shaking caused for example by an explosion or earthquake: The shock was felt miles away.befeelmil → shock wave, culture shock, shocked, shell shock, toxic shock syndromeCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivesa big/great shock It was a great shock to find out he had been lying.behavebeliea terrible/awful shock Her death was a terrible shock to everyone.bea complete/total shock No one expected the factory to close – it was a complete shock.expectbea nasty shock especially British English (=one that is very unpleasant and upsetting) Come and sit down. You’ve had a nasty shock.havea rude shock formal (=one that is unexpected and unpleasant but not serious) Shopping for food in Miyako brought a rude shock. The prices were breathtaking.shopbringpricebeverbsget/have a shock I got a shock when I saw how thin he had become.getseehavegive somebody a shock Oh, you gave me quite a shock.giveget over/recover from a shock He hasn’t got over the shock of losing his job yet.getlosedie of shock informal (=be very surprised) I nearly died of shock when I saw Helen at the door.dieseephrasescome as a shock (=be very unexpected) The collapse of the company came as a shock to us all.comebe a bit of a shock British English especially spoken (=be a shock, but not very serious or unpleasant) I wasn’t expecting to win, so it was a bit of a shock.expectbebitebe a shock to the system (=be strange because you are not used to something) Having to work full-time again was quite a shock to the system.havebebe in for a shock (=be likely to have a shock) Anyone who thinks that bringing up children is easy is in for a shock.thinkbringchildbebebe in a state of shock (also be in deep shock) (=be very shocked and upset) Eva left the room in a state of shock.leaveget the shock of your life (=get a very big shock) He got the shock of his life when he found out who I was.getfindbe
shockverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshockshocksshockedshockingshockshock2 verbWord familyVerb form1[transitive]SURPRISED to make someone feel very surprised and upset, and unable to believe what has happened: The hatred in her voice shocked him.shockshock somebody to hear/learn/discover etc thatThey had been shocked to hear that the hospital was closing down.havebeshockbecloseIt shocked me to think how close we had come to being killed.shockhavebekillshock somebody into (doing) somethingShe was shocked into action by the desperate situation in the orphanages.beshockorphanage2[intransitive and transitive]OFFEND to make someone feel very offended, by talking or behaving in an immoral or socially unacceptable way: He seems to enjoy shocking people.seemshockJust ignore the bad language – they only do it to shock. → shocked, shocking
shockadjectiveCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshockshockshock3 adjective [only before noun]Word family1SURPRISEDvery surprising – used especially in news reports: England’s shock defeat by Luxembourg2shock tactics methods of achieving what you want by deliberately shocking people: Shock tactics are being used to stop drink drivers.tacticbebeusedriver
noun (plural fruit or fruits)Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Latin fructus, from frui ‘to enjoy, have the use of’ 1[uncountable and countable] something that grows on a plant, tree, or bush, can be eaten as a food, contains seeds or a stone, and is usually sweet:
Try to eat plenty of fresh fruit.fruit and vegetablesvegetablea glass of fruit juicea large garden with fruit treestree → dried fruit, soft fruitGrammarFruit is usually uncountable: Fruit is inexpensive here.be It is used as a countable noun mainly to refer to one or more types of fruit: oranges and other citrus fruitsorangefruit2[uncountable and countable] technical the part of a plant, bush, or tree that contains the seeds3the fruit(s) of somethingRESULT the good results that you have from something, after you have worked very hard: I’m looking forward to retirement and having time to enjoy the fruits of my labour (=the results of my hard work).lookhavefruit4in fruit technical trees, plants etc that are in fruit are producing their fruit5the fruits of the earth literary all the natural things that the earth produces, such as fruit, vegetables, or minerals → bear fruit at bear1(9)
fruitverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesfruitfruitsfruitedfruitingfruitfruit2 verb [intransitive] technicalWord familyVerb form if a tree or a plant fruits, it produces fruit
nounWord family1[countable] a piece of clothing worn by a woman or girl that covers the top of her body and part or all of her legs → skirt: Sheila wore a long red dress.weara summer dress2[uncountable] clothes for men or women of a particular type or for a particular occasion: a gentleman in evening dress (=formal clothes worn especially at important social events)evenThe play was performed in modern dress (=clothes from the present time).beperformdress code (=a standard of what you should wear for a particular situation)This restaurant has a strict dress code – no tie, no service.haveCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + dress a wedding dress Have you chosen your wedding dress yet?choosean evening dress (=a formal dress to wear in the evening) She arrived in a red evening dress.arriveevena cocktail dress (=a formal dress but not usually a long one) She wore a little black cocktail dress.weara silk/cotton/velvet etc dress Ellie chose a green silk dress.choosea long dress (=that goes down to your ankles) Most of the women were wearing long dresses.womanbeweardressa party dress (=for parties) I need a new party dress for Christmas.a summer dress a cool blue summer dressa strapless dress (=that does not have straps on your shoulders) She was wearing a strapless cream dress and matching shoes.bewearmatchshoea sleeveless dress (=without any sleeves) She was photographed wearing a figure-hugging sleeveless dress.bephotographwearhugdress + NOUNa dress shop (=selling women’s dresses and other clothes) It was an expensive dress shop.bea dress designer (=someone whose job is designing women’s clothes) She’s a former royal dress designer.THESAURUSclothes noun [plural] things you wear to cover your body or keep you warm. Clothes is always plural: I like your clothes!clothe | Don’t throw your dirty clothes on the floor!clothe | a clothes shopclotheclothing noun [uncountable] used when talking in general about a type of clothes, or about making or selling clothes. Also used in the phrase a piece/item/article of clothing (=one of the things that someone wears): You’ll need to take some warm clothing.clothe | It is important to wear protective clothing at all times.beclothetime | a clothing manufacturerclothe | a clothing retailerclothe | Police found a piece of clothing in the bushes.findclothebush | I took a change of clothing with me.takeclothegarment noun [countable] formal one thing that you wear. Also used when talking about buying and selling clothes: a long velvet garment | the garment industry | garment workersworker | garment factoriesfactorydress noun [uncountable] a particular style of clothes. Don’t use dress on its own: Casual dress is not appropriate for an interview.be | men in evening dressmanevenwear noun [uncountable] used about types of clothes sold in a shop, in the following phrases. Don’t use wear on its own: children’s wearchild | sports wearsport | casual weargear noun [uncountable] /ɡɪə $ ɡɪr/ informal clothes for a particular sport or activity: She was wearing her running gear.bewearrun | Have you got all your gear?getwardrobe noun [singular] all the clothes that you own, or all the clothes that you wear at a particular time of year: Her wardrobe consisted mainly of smart clothes for work.consistclothe | I will need a new summer weardrobe. | You could win a complete new wardrobe!can
dressverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1 2Activator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdressdressesdresseddressingdressdress2 S2 W2 verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: dresser ‘to arrange’, from Latin directus ‘straight’; → DIRECT1 Verb form1put on clothes [intransitive and transitive] to put clothes on yourself or someone else:
Can you wait a minute? I’m just getting dressed.getdressShe dressed quickly and went out of the house.dressgoI usually have to dress the kids in the mornings.kidmorningdress somebody in somethingShe dressed Louis in his best blue shirt.dresswellRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say get dressed rather than dress:I got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast.getdressgo2wear clothes [intransitive] to wear a particular kind of clothes: Dress warmly if you’re going out for a walk.godress casually/smartlyI spend most of my time in the house with young children, so I dress casually.childdress forHow do you normally dress for work?We usually dress for dinner (=wear formal clothes for our evening meal).3make/choose clothes [transitive] to make or choose clothes for someone: Versace dressed some of the most famous people in Hollywood.dress4wound/cut etc [transitive] to clean, treat, and cover a wound5meat/fish [transitive] to clean and prepare meat or fish so that it is ready to cook or eat: dressed crabdress6salad [transitive] to put oil, vinegar, salt etc onto a salad7window [transitive] to put an attractive arrangement in a shop window → window dresser8SOLDIERSsoldiers [intransitive and transitive] technical to stand in a straight line, or to make soldiers do this9hairHAIR [transitive] formal to arrange someone’s hair into a special style10wood/stone etc [transitive] technical to prepare or put a special surface onto wood, stone, leather etcdress down phrasal verb1to wear clothes that are more informal than the ones you would usually wear: In many offices, people dress down on Fridays.office2dress somebody ↔ downTELL SB OFF to speak angrily to someone about something they have done wrong → dressing-downTHESAURUSto put on clothesget dressed to put on all your clothes: You’d better get dressed! It’s almost time to leave for school!welldressdress especially literary to put on all your clothes. Dress is used especially in literature. In everyday English, people usually say get dressed: That day she dressed with extra care, choosing a brown velvet jacket that matched her skirt.dresschoosematchput something on to put on a particular piece of clothing, jewellery etc: Wait – I just have to put my shoes on!shoe | She was putting on her earrings in front of the mirror.beputearringdress up to put on more formal clothes than you usually wear, or to put on special clothes for fun: We always used to dress up to go to church.use | Paul dressed up as a pirate for the party.dressdress yourself to put on your clothes – used when this is difficult for someone because they are very old, young, injured etc: He’s hurt his arm so badly that he can’t dress himself.to be wearing clotheswear to have a particular piece of clothing or a particular style of clothing on your body: All visitors must wear a protective helmet.visitor | She always wears black.wear | Can you tell me what the man was wearing?bewearhave something on to be wearing a particular piece of clothing, jewellery etc. Have something on is more informal than wear: I had my new blue top on.have | He had on a red tie and a grey jacket.have | The boy had nothing on!havebe dressed in something especially written used especially in written descriptions when describing the clothes that someone is wearing: Alistair was dressed in his best suit and tie.bedresswelldress up phrasal verb1to wear special clothes for fun, or to put special clothes on someonedress up asHe went to the party dressed up as a Chicago gangster.godressdress up inI keep a box of old clothes for the children to dress up in.clothechilddress somebody ↔ upWe dressed him up as a gorilla.dress2to wear clothes that are more formal than the ones you would usually wear: It’s a small informal party – you don’t have to dress up.3dress something ↔ upINTERESTING to make something more interesting or attractive: It was the old offer dressed up as something new.bedress
noun [countable]Date: 1500-1600Origin: prise, an earlier form of price; → PRICE1 1WINsomething that is given to someone who is successful in a competition, race, game of chance etc:
In this month’s competition you could win a prize worth £3,000.canThe first prize has gone to Dr John Gentle.havegoprize forThe prize for best photography has been won by a young Dutch photographer.wellhavebewinScientists from Oxford shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1945.scientistshareThe prizes are awarded (=given) every year to students who have shown original thinking in their work.prizebeawardstudentshowthinkThe total prize money was £30,000.be2VALUEsomething that is very valuable to you or that it is very important to have: Fame was the prize.be3no prizes for guessing something spokenGUESS used to say that it is very easy to guess something: No prizes for guessing what she was wearing.prizeguessbewearCOLLOCATIONSverbswin a prize (also take a prize) She won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1938.win | Ms Brolls also took the prize for best individual speaker.takewellget a prize (also receive a prize formal) The winner gets a prize.get | If your letter is published, you will receive a £5 prize.bepublishshare a prize They will share the first prize of £500.give (somebody) a prize (also award (somebody) a prize formal) A prize will be given for the best-decorated egg.givewelldecorate | Four years later he was awarded the Erasmus Prize.yearlatebeawarda prize goes to somebody (=they get it) The fiction prize goes to Carol Shields.goshieldADJECTIVES/NOUN + prizefirst/second etc prize She won first prize in a poetry competition.winthe top prize The film won the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival.wina consolation prize (=one given to someone who has not won) The runner-up will get a consolation prize of a camera.the booby prize (=one given as a joke to the person who comes last) The cake I made for the competition was so bad I got the booby prize.makebegeta cash prize There's a $5,000 cash prize for the winner.prize + NOUNa prize winner Congratulations to all the prize winners!congratulationwinnerprize money The players are demanding an increase in prize money.playerbedemanda prize draw British English (=a competition in which people whose names or tickets are chosen by chance win prizes) He won the car in a prize draw.win
prizeadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprizeprizeprize2 adjective [only before noun]1WINgood enough to win a prize or having won a prize: He has spent months cultivating what he hopes are prize flowers.havespendmonthcultivatehopebeflower → prize-winning2BESTvery good or important: The Picasso painting is a prize exhibit in the museum.paintbe3a prize idiot/fool informalSTUPID/NOT INTELLIGENT a complete idiot, fool etc
prizeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprizeprizesprizedprizingprizeprize3 verb [transitive]Verb form1VALUEto think that someone or something is very important or valuable: He is someone who prizes truth and decency above all things.beprizethingThe company’s shoes are highly prized by fashion conscious youngsters.shoebeprizeyoungster2REMOVEthe American spelling of prise
nounDate: 1600-1700Origin: poll ‘head’ (13-19 centuries), from Middle Low German; from the idea of counting heads 1[countable]ASK A QUESTION the process of finding out what people think about something by asking many people the same question, or the record of the result SYN opinion poll, survey:
A recent poll found that 80% of Californians support the governor.findPolls indicate that education is the top issue with voters.pollbevoterLabour is ahead in the polls.bepollThe latest public opinion poll showed that 25% of us consider ourselves superstitious.lateshowconduct/carry out/do a polla poll conducted by ‘USA Today’conductpoll ona poll on eating habitseathabitpoll ofa poll of 1,000 people2go to the polls to vote in an election: Ten million voters went to the polls.votergopoll3[singular]VOTE/ELECT British English the process of voting in an election, or the number of votes recorded: Labour won the election with 40% of the poll.winThe result of the poll won’t be known until around midnight.winknow4the polls the place where you can go to vote in an election: The polls will close in an hour.pollCOLLOCATIONSverbscarry out/take/do a poll A similar poll was carried out among academics in the United States.becarryacademicunitestate | A poll taken last month gave the Democrats a seven-point lead.takegivedemocratconduct a poll formal (=carry out a poll) The poll was conducted with a sample of 1,023 adults.beconductadulta poll shows/indicates/suggests something Polls show that older voters are most concerned about economic issues.polloldvoterbeconcernissuea poll finds something Our poll found that 29 percent rated his performance as good.findratepoll + NOUNpoll results/findings The poll results are very encouraging.resultbeencouragea poll rating (=showing how popular someone is) His poll ratings keep slipping.ratingslipADJECTIVES/NOUN + pollan opinion poll (=that measures what people think about something) A recent opinion poll showed strong support for the government.showan exit poll (=when people are asked how they have just voted) The exit polls said that 46 percent of women had voted for Obama.pollsaywomanhavevotea popularity poll (=measuring how popular someone is) In most popularity polls, he is in fourth or fifth place.pollbea local/national/statewide etc poll Local polls show him leading by only two or three points.pollleadpointphrasessb’s lead in the polls Labour soon regained its lead in the polls.regainpollsb’s standing in the polls (=how popular a poll shows them to be) The President's standing in the polls declined sharply.standpolldeclinebe ahead/leading in the polls The good news is that we are ahead in the polls.bebepollbe behind/trailing in the polls At the moment the Democrats are trailing in the polls.democratbetrailpoll
pollverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplespollpollspolledpollingpollpoll2 verb [transitive]Verb form1ASK A QUESTIONto ask a lot of people the same questions in order to find out what they think about a subject: 18% of the women we polled said their husbands had a drinking problem.womanpollsayhusbandhavedrink2to get a particular number of votes in an election: Labour polled just 4% of the vote.pollTHESAURUS ask a questionask to speak or write to someone to get an answer: Did you ask about the price?do | They asked me a lot of questions.askquestioninquire/enquire /ɪnˈkwaɪə $ -ˈkwaɪr/ formal to ask someone for information about something: I’m writing to inquire about the job that was advertised in yesterday’s ‘Times’.writebeadvertisetimedemand especially written to ask a question in a firm or angry way: ‘Why didn’t you call me?’, she demanded.demandinterview to ask someone questions, to find out if they are suitable for a job, or as part of a television or radio interview: When they interviewed me for the job, they didn’t mention the salary.interview | David Letterman has interviewed all the stars.haveinterviewstarpoll to officially ask a lot of people in order to find out their opinion on something: Over 1,000 people were polled for the report.bepoll | 64% of the people we polled said that they approved of the way the government had handled the crisis.pollsayapprovehavehandle
adjective [only before noun]Word family1REGULARhappening or done every day: daily flights to Miamiflight2daily lifeORDINARY the ordinary things that you usually do or experience3relating to a single day: the daily rate of pay
dailyadverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdailydailydaily2 adverbWord family happening or done every day: The zoo is open daily.be
dailynounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdailydailiesdailydaily3 noun (plural dailies) [countable]1(also ˌdaily ˈpaper) a newspaper that is printed and sold every day, or every day except Sunday2British English old-fashioned (also ˌdaily ˈhelp) someone, especially a woman, who is employed to clean someone’s house3dailies [plural] American English the prints of a film as it is being made, which are looked at every day after filming ends SYN rushes British English
noun (plural studios) [countable]Date: 1800-1900Language: Italian
Origin: Latin studium; → STUDY1 1a room where television and radio programmes are made and broadcast or where music is recorded:
a TV studioa recording studio in Nashvillerecord2(also studios [plural]) a film company or the buildings it owns and uses to make its films: Depardieu is making a film with one of the big Hollywood studios.bemakestudio3a room where a painter or photographer regularly works: a photographer’s studio4a room where dancing lessons are given or that dancers use to practise in5 (also studio apartment American English, studio flat British English) a small apartment with one main room: a tiny studio
noun [countable]Word family1LIVE SOMEWHEREsomeone who lives or stays in a particular place: the residents of Westvilleresident2American English a doctor working at a hospital where he or she is being trained SYN registrar British EnglishTHESAURUScitizen someone who lives in a particular town, country, or state: In order to become a US citizen, you need to have a Permanent Resident card. | All British citizens have the right to live in the UK.citizen | Good citizens understand that they have a responsibility to the community.citizennational a citizen of a country who is living in another country: She insisted that foreign nationals were safe in the country.insistnationalbe | Russians nationals were ordered to leave.nationalbeorder | Her husband is a French national.beresident someone who lives in a particular street or area: There have been complaints by local residents about the building work.becomplaintresidentbuild | She was a resident of Chicago for many years.beyearnative someone who was born in a particular country but moved to another country – used when describing a person or their life: Picasso was a native of Spain, although he spent much of his life in France.bespendsubject someone who was born in a country that has a king or queen, and has a right to live there: Northern Ireland citizens are British subjects.citizenbesubjectalien formal someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in - used in official contexts: Employers cannot hire illegal aliens.employeralien
residentadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesresidentresidentresident2 AC adjectiveWord family1formalLIVE SOMEWHERE living in a placeresident inMany retired British people are now resident in Spain.retirebe2[only before noun]LIVE SOMEWHERE living or working in a particular place or institution: a resident tutorThe resident population of mental hospitals has fallen by 20%.hospitalhavefall3[only before noun]GROUP OF PEOPLE belonging to a particular group of people – used humorously: He’s our resident expert on computer games.game
noun (plural properties)Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: propreté, from Latin proprietas, from proprius; → PROPER 1[uncountable]OWN the thing or things that someone owns:
The hotel is not responsible for any loss or damage to guests’ personal property.beguestSome of the stolen property was found in Mason’s house.stealbefind2[uncountable and countable]OWN a building, a piece of land, or both together: Property prices have shot up recently.priceshootthe property marketa sign saying ‘Private Property. Keep Out.’sayproperty taxestaxcommercial/residential property3[countable usually plural]CHARACTER OF STH a quality or power that a substance, plant etc has SYN quality, characteristic: a herb with healing propertieshealpropertyphysical/chemical etc propertiesthe chemical properties of a substanceproperty → lost property, real property, intellectual propertyCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsbuy/sell (a) property Buying a property is a complicated business.buybecomplicateADJECTIVES/NOUN + property detached especially British English (=not joined to another house) It is a modern detached property with five bedrooms.bedetachbedroomsemi-detached British English (=joined to one other house) This semi-detached property is located in one of the most sought-after areas of the town.detachbelocateseekareaa three-bedroom/four-bedroom etc property Four-bedroom properties are usually ideal for families.propertybefamilya desirable property It is a desirable property with a south-facing garden.befacecommercial property (=buildings used by businesses) The bombs caused damage to commercial property.bombcauseresidential property (=buildings that people live in) The site proposed for the factory is too near to residential property.proposebeprivate property The land on the other side of the gate is private property.beproperty + NOUNproperty prices Property prices are much lower here than in London.pricebelowthe property market There were no signs of an upturn in the property market.besigna property owner It makes sense for property owners to extend their houses rather than move.makeownerhouseCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3adjectivesphysical properties What are the physical properties of metals?bepropertymetalchemical properties They grouped the known elements by chemical properties.groupknowelementpropertyelectrical properties Each type of cell has distinct electrical properties.havepropertymagnetic properties the magnetic properties of iron and nickelpropertyoptical properties These minerals have similar optical properties.mineralpropertyhealing/medicinal properties The old women know about the healing properties of local herbs.womanhealpropertyherbhealth-giving properties They believed that the water had special health-giving properties.believehavegivepropertyantiseptic properties This plant has mild antiseptic properties.havepropertyTHESAURUSproperty [uncountable] the things that a person, organization etc owns: He left most of his property to his grandaughter.leave | They were arrested and charged with damaging school property.bearrestchargedamagepossessions [plural] all the things that you own or have with you at a particular time: He sold all his possessions and left the country.sellpossessionleave | The prisoners were allowed to have few personal possessions.prisonerbeallowpossessionbelongings [plural] things you own such as clothes, books etc, especially things you take with you when travelling: I quickly packed a few of my belongings in an overnight bag.packthings [plural] spoken (also stuff [uncountable] informal) small things you own, such as clothes, books etc: Don’t leave your things all over the floor!thing | I’ve got so much stuff, I don’t know where to put it all.getvaluables [plural] things that you own that are worth a lot of money and may get stolen, for example jewellery or cameras: The advice from police is: if you have valuables don’t leave them in the car.be | Keep valuables like TVs and computer equipment out of sight.personal effects [plural] formal small things you own – used especially when there is an accident, a robbery, or the person who owns them dies: The insurance policy covers baggage and personal effects – up to £1,000 per person.covereffect | After Turing’s death in 1954, his mother received his personal effects, including the Order of the British Empire, awarded in 1946 for his code work.receiveeffectincludeaward | Sections of aircraft wreckage and personal effects were scattered all around.sectioneffectbescatterassets [plural] houses, land, shares etc that a person or organization owns and would be able to sell if they needed money – used especially in legal or business contexts: Many homeowners now have assets of over £234,000 in the value of their home alone.homeownerasset | financial assets such as bonds and sharesassetbondshare
noun [countable]Sense 1-3, 5:Date: 1500-1600
Language: French
Origin: fil ‘thread’, from Latin filum (because documents were stored on pieces of string). Sense 4:
Language: Old English
Origin: feol 1INFORMATIONa set of papers, records etc that contain information about a particular person or subjectfile on
Mendoza read over the file on the murders.murderThe FBI keeps files on former White House employees.keepfileemployeeWe will keep your details on file (=store them for later use).detailpolice/case/medical etc filea copy of the court file2KEEP/STOREa box or piece of folded card in which you store loose papers: She pulled a blue file from the shelf.pull3INFORMATIONinformation on a computer that you store under a particular name: a list of all the files and folders on your hard diskfilefolder4a metal tool with a rough surface that you rub on something to make it smooth → nail file5LINEa line of people who are standing or walking one behind the otherfile ofa file of soldiers marching in stepsoldiermarchin fileIt was dark as we set off in file.be → single file, rank and fileCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbsopen a file Click on the icon to open the file.close a file You may need to close the file and restart the computer.save a file Save the file under a different filename.create a file I created a file of useful contacts.createcontactdelete a file (=remove it ) I accidentally deleted the wrong file.deleteaccess a file (=open or read it) You won’t be able to access the file if another user has opened it.winhaveopenedit a file (=make changes to it) I edited the file and saved it to the hard disk.editsavecopy a file To copy a file, save it using a new filename.usemove a file He was trying to move the file from one folder to another.betrytransfer a file (=move it from one computer system to another) You can transfer files and share your stuff with friends.filefrienddownload a file (=move a copy of it from the Internet or another computer to your computer) It just takes a few seconds to download the file.takesecondupload a file (=move a copy of it from your computer to the Internet or another computer) Restart the web browser, and then upload the file.load a file (=put a file onto a computer) Double-click on the icon and it will load the zip file onto your computer.send somebody a file (=send it using email) Do you want me to send you the file?attach a file (=send it with an email) Sorry, I forgot to attach the file.forgetcompress a file (=make it smaller so that it uses less space on a computer) The program allows you to compress files.allowfileNOUN + filea computer file Delete some of the old computer files and create some space on the hard drive.filea backup file (=a copy of a file, which is made in case the original becomes lost or damaged) You can burn your backup file to CD or DVD.a text file The text file contains hints on how to get the best out of the program.containhintwella data file The bigger the data file, the more time is needed to search it.bigdatumbeneeda graphics file This handy utility allows you to change graphics files from one format to another.allowgraphicfileTHESAURUSrecord information about something that is written down: your medical recordsrecord | the public records officerecord | I have to keep a record of all my spending when I’m travelling on business.spendtravelfile a set of written records, or information stored on a computer under a particular name: He began reading the file on the case.beginread | I think I may have accidentally deleted the file.deleteaccounts (also books informal) an exact record of the money that a company has received and spent: Companies are required by law to publish their annual accounts.companyberequireaccount | Someone had been falsifying the accounts.havebefalsifyaccount | The company’s books all seemed to be in order.bookseemledger one of the official books in which a company’s financial records are kept, which show how much it has received and spent: The costs have been moved from one column of the ledger to another.costbemoveminutes an official written record of what is said and decided at a meeting: Both points are mentioned in the minutes of the last meeting on August 3rd.pointbementionminutemeetdiary a book in which you regularly write down the things that have happened to you: In his diary he wrote, ‘It s lovely having him here, we’ve had so many cosy talks.’writehavehavetalk | I’ll just check in my diary to see if I’m free.blog a web page on the Internet on which someone regularly writes about their life, opinions, or a particular subject: I may not always agree with David, but I always read his blog.register an official list of names of people, organizations etc: Guests must sign the hotel register.guest | the national register of births, deaths, and marriagesbirthdeathmarriage | Lloyds Register of Shippingshiproll an official list of names, especially of people who are allowed to do something such as vote or be in a class at school: the electoral roll (=list of people who can vote in an area) | The teacher called the roll (=read out the list of the names of the students, who then have to say if they are present).calllog an official record that is kept on a ship or plane: Mr Appleby said he complained to a senior officer, who made a note in the ship’s log.saycomplainmake
fileverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfilefilesfiledfilingfilefile2 S3 W3 AC verbVerb form1[transitive]KEEP/STORE to keep papers, documents etc in a particular place so that you can find them easily: The contracts are filed alphabetically.contractbefilefile something under somethingI looked to see if anything was filed under my name.lookbefilefile something awayThe handbooks are filed away for future reference.handbookbefile2[transitive] to give or send an official report or news story to your employer: The officer left the scene without filing a report.leavefile3[intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] lawRECORD to give a document to a court or other organization so that it can be officially recorded and dealt withfile a complaint/lawsuit/petition etc (against somebody)Mr Genoa filed a formal complaint against the department.filefile forThe Morrisons have filed for divorce.fileToday is the deadline for Americans to file their tax returns.bereturn4[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]LINE if people file somewhere, they walk there in a line: We began to file out into the car park.beginThe mourners filed past the coffin.mournerfile5[intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] to use a metal or wooden tool to rub something in order to make it smooth: File down the sharp edges.edgeShe sat filing her nails.sitfilenailTHESAURUSkeep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily: Where do you keep the scissors?scissor | The keys are kept in my office.keybekeepstore to put things away and keep them until you need them: Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.villagerbeginstoresave to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future: He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion.havebesave | We can save the rest of the pie for later.latefile to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular place: All the contracts are filed alphabetically.contractbefilecollect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interesting: Kate collects old postcards.collectpostcardhold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to use: Medical records are now usually held on computers.recordbeholdcomputerreserve formal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cooking: Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.decoratehoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other people: People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack.behoardbe | Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.rationproductbeintroducehoard
noun [countable]
1ATTRACTIVE ARRANGEMENTobjectsSHOW/LET SB SEE STH an arrangement of things for people to look at or buydisplay ofa superb display of African masksmaska dazzling display (=very good display) of flowersdazzleflowerThe window display caught her eye.catchdisplay cases containing old photographscasecontainphotograph2PERFORMANCEentertainmentSHOW/LET SB SEE STH a public performance of something that is intended to entertain people: a fireworks displayfireworkdisplay ofa display of jugglingjuggle3on displaySHOW/LET SB SEE STH a)something that is on display is in a public place where people can look at it SYN on show: Mapplethorpe’s photographs were first put on display in New York.photographbebe/go on displayOne of the world’s oldest cars has gone on display in Brighton today.oldcarhavego b)if a quality, feeling, or skill is on display, it is very clear and easy to notice: The musical talent on display is extremely impressive.be4display of affection/emotion/aggression etcSHOW A FEELING OR ATTITUDE an occasion when someone clearly shows a particular feeling, attitude, or quality: Unprovoked displays of aggression cannot be tolerated.displaytolerate5EQUIPMENTon equipment a part of a piece of equipment that shows information, for example a computer screen: This time the display flashed a red warning signal.flashwarnCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa fine/magnificent/spectacular/dazzling display (=a very good one) The museum has a magnificent display of silver.havea window display (=in the window of a shop) I stopped to look at something in the window display.stopa special display There was a special display of local photographs.bephotographa floral display (=of flowers) The village has won an award for its floral displays.havewindisplayverbscreate a display She created an award-winning display at the national garden show.createwindisplay + NOUNa display case/cabinet (=small cupboard with a glass front) There was a display case full of medals.bemedala display board Some schools have a display board with photographs of all the staff.schoolphotographa display stand (=table with shelves etc used for showing things to the public) A lot of companies had impressive display stands in the conference hall.companyhavestand
displayverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdisplaydisplaysdisplayeddisplayingdisplaydisplay2 W2 AC verbDate: 1500-1600Language: Anglo-French
Origin: despleier, from Latin displicare ‘to unfold’ Verb form1SHOW/LET SB SEE STH[transitive] to show something to people, or put it in a place where people can see it easily:
shop windows displaying the latest fashionswindowdisplaylatefashionAll the exam results will be displayed on the noticeboard.resultdisplay2SHOW A FEELING OR ATTITUDE[transitive] to clearly show a feeling, attitude, or quality by what you do or say: She displayed no emotion on the witness stand.displayten piano pieces, each written to display the talents of individual playerspiecewritetalentplayer3[transitive] if a computer or something similar displays information, it shows it on its screen: I pressed ‘return’ and an error message was displayed.pressbedisplay4[intransitive] if a male bird or animal displays, it behaves in a particular way as a signal to other birds or animals, especially to attract a female
verbWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: defendre, from Latin defendere, from fendere ‘to hit’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]DEFEND to do something in order to protect someone or something from being attacked:
a struggle to defend our homelanddefend something against/from somethingthe need to defend democracy against fascismdefend yourself (against/from somebody/something)advice on how women can defend themselves from sex attackerswomanattackerdefend againstWe need to defend against military aggression.2[transitive]DEFEND to use arguments to protect something or someone from criticism, or to prove that something is right OPP attack: She was always defending her husband in front of their daughter.bedefendStudents should be ready to explain and defend their views.studentshallviewdefend somebody against/from somebody/somethingHe defended his wife against rumours and allegations.defendrumourallegationdefend yourself (against/from something)Cooper wrote to the journal immediately, defending himself.writedefendRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say stand up for someone rather than defend someone:She was the only person who stood up for me at the meeting.bestandmeet3[transitive]DEFEND to do something in order to stop something from being taken away or in order to make it possible for something to continue: the workers’ attempts to defend their interestsworkerattemptinterestWe are defending the right to demonstrate.bedefend4[intransitive and transitive] to protect your own team’s end of the field in a game such as football, in order to prevent your opponents from getting points OPP attack: Bournemouth defended well throughout the game.defend5[transitive]COMPETITION to take part in a competition that you won the last time it was held, and try to win it again: The world champion was defending his title.bedefendthe defending championdefendHe is defending a Labour majority of 5,000.bedefend6[intransitive and transitive] to be a lawyer for someone who has been charged with a crime OPP prosecute: He had top lawyers to defend him.havelawyerHoward, defending, said Thompson had been drinking heavily.defendsayhavebedrinkTHESAURUSdefend to say something to support an idea or person when other people are criticizing them: The mayor defended the action, saying that it was the best option.defendsaybewellstand up for somebody/something to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas or your rights: My grandfather would always stand up for what was right.willbe | I don't want him fighting, but I do want him to stand up for himself.fightstick up for somebody informal to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them: The other kids tease her, but Sarah often sticks up for her.kidstickcome to somebody's defence British English (also come to somebody's defense American English) to say something to defend someone who is being criticized: Aitken's colleagues quickly came to his defence.colleaguecome
(also realiserealise British English) /ˈrɪəlaɪz/ verb [transitive not usually in progressive]
Word familyDate: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: réaliser, from Old French real; → REAL1 Verb form1understandREALIZE to know and understand something, or suddenly begin to understand itrealize (that)
I suddenly realized that the boy was crying.realizebecryDo you realize you’re an hour late?realize who/what/how etcI’m sorry, I didn’t realize who you were.beIt took us a while to realize the extent of the tragedy.takeIt was only later that I realized my mistake.belaterealize ► Do not say that you ‘realize about/of something’. Say that you realize something.2achieve formalSUCCEED IN DOING STH to achieve something that you were hoping to achieve: She never realized her ambition of winning an Olympic gold medal.realizewina young singer who has not yet realized her full potential (=achieved as much as she can achieve)haverealize3sb’s worst fears were realizedHAPPEN used to say that the thing that you were most afraid of has actually happened: His worst fears were realized when he heard that Chris had been arrested.illfearberealizehearhavebearrest4money a)MONEY formal to obtain or earn an amount of money: The campaign realized $5000.realizeWe realized a small profit on the sale of the house.realize b)MONEYrealize an asset technical to change something that you own into money by selling itTHESAURUSrealize to begin to understand, notice, or know something that you did not understand etc before: I hadn’t realized that Ben was his brother.realizebe | She suddenly realized who the man in the photograph was.realizebebecome aware to gradually realize that something is happening or is true, over a period of time: He slowly became aware that he was not alonebecomebe | People are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of cars on the environment.bebecomeeffectcardawn on somebody if something dawns on you, you realize it for the first time – often used in the phrase it dawned on somebody: It dawned on me that he could be lying.dawncanlie | It only dawned on her that she was in danger when she saw rescue workers running away from the building.dawnbeseeworkerrunbuild | He thought about the dream for a long time before its meaning began to dawn on him.thinkmeanbeginsink in if something sinks in, you begin to realize its full meaning or importance, especially gradually: It took a few minutes for the doctor’s words to sink in.takeminuteword | The reality of what I had done slowly began to sink in.havedobeginhit if a fact hits you, you suddenly understand it and how important it is: It hit me one day that he didn’t care. He’d talk when I phoned him, but he’d never call me.phonestrike if an idea or thought strikes you, you suddenly think of it: It suddenly struck her what a risk she was taking.strikebetake | A thought has just struck me - there must be other people with the same problem.thinkhavestrike
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: respectus ‘act of looking back’, from respicere ‘to look back, consider’, from specere ‘to look’ 1admiration [uncountable]ADMIRE a feeling of admiring someone or what they do, especially because of their personal qualities, knowledge, or skills → admirationrespect for
I have the greatest respect for Jane’s work.great2consideration [uncountable]IMPORTANT the belief that something or someone is important and should not be harmed, treated rudely etc OPP disrespectrespect forOut of respect for the wishes of her family, the affair was not reported in the media.wishbereportmediumThe boys showed a complete lack of respect for authority.boyshowwith respectYour mother should be treated with respect.shalltreat3with (the greatest) respect/with (all) due respect spoken formalDISAGREE say this before disagreeing with someone when you want to be polite: With respect, I think you’re wrong.4for danger [singular, uncountable]DANGEROUS a careful attitude towards something or someone that could be dangerousrespect forMy fear turned into a respect for the sea.turnPeople should have a healthy respect for alcohol (=a sensible careful attitude towards it).shall5in one respect/in some respects etcTRUE used to say that something is true in one way, in some ways etc: In many respects the new version is not as good as the old one.respectbeMum is very stubborn, and Kim takes after her in that respect.betake6greetings respects [plural] formalHELLO polite greetingsgive/send your respects (to somebody)Give my respects to your wife.respectpay your respects (to somebody) British English (=make a polite visit)I’ve come to pay my respects to Mrs O'Hara.respect7pay your last respects (to somebody) to go to someone’s funeral8in respect of something formalCONNECTED WITH concerning or in relation to something: This is especially true in respect of the UK.be9with respect to something formalCONNECTED WITH a)concerning or in relation to something: the freedom of a property owner to make a contract with respect to his property b)used to introduce a new subject, or to return to one that has already been mentioned: With respect to your request, I am not yet able to agree.be → self-respectCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbshave respect for somebody I have a lot of respect for my boss.win/earn/gain respect (=start to be respected) Morris eventually won the respect of his fellow workers.winworkercommand respect (=be respected) Lady Thatcher commanded huge respect from everyone she worked with.commandworkdeserve respect Nurses deserve our respect and admiration.nurselose respect for somebody (=no longer respect them) She had lost all respect for him.haveloselose sb’s respect (=no longer be respected by them) Once a child knows you have lied, you will lose their respect.knowlieadjectivesgreat respect Rex and Joe had great respect for his judgement.havethe utmost respect I have the utmost respect for the prime minister.mutual respect (=when two people respect each other) Their relationship is based on mutual respect.bebasegrudging respect (=when you respect someone or something unwillingly) Initially his idea was seen as far-fetched, but gradually it has received grudging respect and support.beseefetchhavereceivegrudgeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsshow respect We were taught to show respect for older people.beteacholdtreat somebody/something with respect Everyone has a right to be treated with respect.havetreathave respect for somebody/something These kids have no respect for authority.kidget respect (=be treated with respect) You get more respect if you dress smartly.adjectivesproper/due respect (=suitable) ‘I want proper respect,’ said Mother.saydeep respect The islanders have a deep respect for the ocean.islanderphrasesa lack of respect They blame youth crime on unemployment and lack of respect for the law.as a mark of respect (=as a sign of respect, especially for someone who has just died) Flags were flown at half mast as a mark of respect for the dead seamen.flagbeflyseaman
respectverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrespectrespectsrespectedrespectingrespectrespect2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1[not in progressive]ADMIRE to admire someone because they have high standards and good qualities such as fairness and honesty → admirerespect somebody for (doing) somethingShe respected him for his honesty.respectI respect his views, although I do not agree with them.view2OBEYto be careful not to do anything against someone’s wishes, rights etc: She said she wanted to leave, and her father respected her wishes.saywantrespectwishI would like you to respect my privacy.willthe need to respect human rightsright3to not break a rule or law: The President is expected to respect the constitution.beexpect
RespectRespectRespectRe·spect /rɪˈspekt/
a left-wing political party in England and Wales which was started in January 2004. Its name is made up of the first letters of the words Respect, Equality, Socialism, Peace, Environmentalism, and Trade Unionism. Its supporters include the film director Ken Loach and the playwright Harold Pinter. One of the party’s most important members is George Galloway. The party’s full name is Respect – The Unity Coalition.
noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: dam ‘damage’, from Latin damnum; → DAMN4 1physical harmDAMAGE [uncountable] physical harm that is done to something or to a part of someone’s body, so that it is broken or injureddamage to
damage to propertyThese chemicals have been found to cause serious environmental damage.chemicalbefindThere may be permanent brain damage. brain .His eyesight suffered irreparable damage.suffer2emotional harmHARM/BE BAD FOR [uncountable] harm caused to someone’s emotions or mind: The death of a parent can cause long-lasting psychological damage.last3bad effectHARM/BE BAD FORSPOIL [uncountable] a bad effect on somethingdamage toThe damage to his reputation was considerable.beThe closure of the factory will cause severe damage to the local economy.damage limitation/controlthe attempts at political damage control during the scandalattempt4MONEYdamages [plural] law money that a court orders someone to pay to someone else as a punishment for harming them or their property → compensation: The court awarded him £15,000 in damages.awarddamage5the damage is doneTIME4# used to say that something bad has happened which makes it impossible to go back to the way things were before it happened: She immediately apologized, but the damage was done.apologizebedo6what’s the damage? spokenCOST used humorously to ask how much you have to pay for somethingCOLLOCATIONSverbsdo damage Too much sun can do severe damage to your skin.cause damage We surveyed the damage caused by the bomb.surveycausesuffer/sustain damage formal She has suffered damage to her hearing.havesufferhearrepair the damage The cost of repairing the damage could be around £300 million.repaircanprevent/avoid damage Young trees need protecting to prevent damage from the wind.treeprotectADJECTIVES/NOUN + damageserious/severe The earthquake caused severe damage to a number of buildings.causenumbbuildingextensive/widespread (=covering a large area) Because of the size of the bomb, the damage was extensive.bepermanent/irreparable/irreversible damage (=that cannot be repaired) By smoking for so long, she may have suffered irreversible damage to her health.smokesufferminor damage Fortunately, the fire caused only minor damage.causephysical damage There is considerable evidence that the drug can cause physical damage.bestructural damage (=to the structure of a building) The building was checked for structural damage.buildbecheckenvironmental damage The programme will concentrate on reducing environmental damage and pollution.reducefire/storm/flood etc damage (=caused by fire, storm, flood etc) The campsite suffered extensive flood damage.sufferbrain/liver/nerve etc damage If you drink a lot of alcohol it can cause liver damage.liveaccidental damage (=caused by an accident) The insurance covers you for accidental damage to your possessions while you are on holiday.coverpossessionbecriminal damage (=caused by someone committing a crime) The boy was charged with criminal damage after setting fire to his girlfriend’s house.bechargeset
damageverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdamagedamagesdamageddamagingdamagedamage2 S3 W3 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1DAMAGEINJUREto cause physical harm to something or to part of someone’s body: insects that damage cropsinsectcropbadly/severely/seriously damageSmoking can severely damage your health.smoke2HARM/BE BAD FORto have a bad effect on something or someone in a way that makes them weaker or less successful: The changes in share values have damaged investor confidence.changevaluedamageTHESAURUSdamage to cause physical harm to something or someone, or have a bad effect on them: Several buildings were damaged by the earthquake.buildingbedamage | The other car wasn’t damaged.damage | The scandal could damage his career.canharm to have a bad effect on something: They use chemicals that will harm the environment.chemical | The oil crisis could harm the economy.canspoil to have a bad effect on something and make it less successful, enjoyable, useful etc: We didn’t let the rain spoil our holiday. | Local people say the new buildings will spoil the view.buildingvandalize to deliberately damage buildings, vehicles, or public property: All the public telephones in the area had been vandalized.telephonehavebevandalizesabotage /ˈsæbətɑːʒ/ to secretly damage machines or equipment so that they cannot be used, especially in order to harm an enemy: There is evidence that the airplane was sabotaged.bebesabotagetamper with something to deliberately and illegally damage or change a part of something in order to prevent it from working properly: The car’s brakes had been tampered with.brakehavebetamperdesecrate to damage a church or other holy place: The church had been desecrated by vandals.havebedesecratevandaldeface /dɪˈfeɪs/ to deliberately spoil the appearance of something by writing on it, spraying paint on it etc: Someone had defaced the statue and painted it bright orange.havedefacepaint
noun [countable]
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: gestr 1at an eventSTAY WITH SB, IN A HOTEL ETC someone who is invited to an event or special occasion:
a banquet for 250 distinguished guestsdistinguishguestas sb’s guestYou are here as my guests.beguestdinner/wedding etc guestsMost of the wedding guests had left.guesthaveleaveAmong the invited guests were Jerry Brown and Elihu Harris.inviteguestbeThe actress was guest of honour (=the most important guest) at the launch.beI’ve nearly finished the guest list for the wedding.finishRegisterIn everyday English, people usually talk about having friends/people over (for a meal, short visit etc) or having friends/people to stay rather than saying that they have guests:We’re having some people over for dinner this evening.haveeven2in a houseSTAY WITH SB, IN A HOTEL ETC someone you have invited to stay in your home for a short time: We have guests staying right now.gueststay → house guest3in a hotelSTAY WITH SB, IN A HOTEL ETC someone who is paying to stay in a hotel: Use of the sauna is free to guests.beguest4on a showACTOR/ACTRESS someone famous who is invited to take part in a show, concert etc, in addition to those who usually take part: We have some great guests for you tonight.guestFontaine appeared as a guest on the show.appear5be my guest spokenLET/ALLOW used to give someone permission to do what they have asked to do: ‘Do you mind if I look at your notes?’ ‘Be my guest.’noteCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + guestthe main/chief/principal guest The Prime Minister was one of the main guests at the event.beguestan honoured guest (=one who is given special respect and treatment) They were the honoured guests of the Queen at the Royal Garden Party.behonourguesta distinguished guest (=one who has done something that people respect or admire) Many distinguished guests were invited to the opening ceremony.distinguishguestbeinviteopendinner guests How much meat do I need to buy for 15 dinner guests?guestwedding guests We need to send out invitations to all the wedding guests.invitationguesta house guest (=someone who is staying in your house) There was a constant stream of house guests at their country estate.beguestinvited guests Celebrations continued with a dinner for 100 invited guests.celebrationcontinueinviteguestan unwelcome guest (=someone who is not really a guest, and whom you do not want at an event) Security guards were employed to keep out unwelcome guests.guardbeemployguestan uninvited guest She was surprised when an uninvited guest turned up at the door.besurpriseturna regular/frequent guest The Johnsons were regular guests at Eric’s house in Notting Hill.johnsonbeguestguest + NOUNthe guest list (=a list of the people invited to an event) The guest list included many friends from his university days.includefrienddaya guest speaker/lecturer (=one who is invited to an event from another organization, university etc) The guest speaker at the conference was Dr. Kim.bephrasesthe guest of honour (=the most important guest) The senator was guest of honour at a reception held at the American Embassy.beholdverbsinvite a guest The guests were invited to a dinner at his country house.guestbeinvitegreet the guests Roger was busy greeting the guests as they arrived.begreetguestarriveentertain guests (=have guests at your house or another place for a meal or party) Their garden is a wonderful place to entertain guests.beguestTHESAURUScustomer someone who buys goods or services from a shop or company: Customers were waiting for the shop to open.customerbewait | The bank is one of our biggest customers.bebigcustomerclient someone who pays for a service from a professional person or company: He has a meeting with one of his clients.havemeetclient | The company buys and sells shares on behalf of their clientsbuysellshareclientshopper someone who goes to the shops looking for things to buy: The streets were full of Christmas shoppers.streetbeshopperguest someone who pays to stay in a hotel: Guests must leave their rooms by 10 am.guestroombepatron /ˈpeɪtrən/ formal a customer of a particular shop, restaurant or hotel – usually written on signs: The notice said ‘Parking for Patrons Only’.sayparkpatronpatient someone who is getting medical treatment from a doctor, or in a hospital: He is a patient of Dr Williams.beconsumer anyone who buys goods or uses services – used when considering these people as a group who have particular rights, needs, or behaviour: Consumers are demanding more environmentally-friendly products.consumerbedemandproduct | the rights of the consumerright | The law is designed to protect consumers who buy goods on the Internet.bedesignconsumergoodmarket the number of people who want to buy a product, or the type of people who want to buy it: The market for organic food is growing all the time.begrow | a magazine aimed at the youth marketaimclientele /ˌkliːənˈtel $ ˌklaɪənˈtel, ˌkliː-/ formal the type of customers that a particular shop, restaurant etc gets: The hotel has a very upmarket clientele.have | They have a wealthy international clientele.
guestadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesguestguestguest2 adjective [only before noun]1for guests to use: He was still asleep in the guest bedroom.be2a guest star, speaker etc is someone famous or important who is invited to take part in an event, in addition to the people who usually take part: Camfield was lucky in getting Cage and Rampling as guest stars.begetstarHe will make a special guest appearance on next week’s show.
guestverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesguestguestsguestedguestingguestguest3 verb [intransitive]Verb form TAKE PART/BE INVOLVEDto take part in a show, concert etc as a guestguest onShe guested on a comedy show last year.guest
noun1[countable]DELAY when someone or something has to wait, or the length of the waiting time: Sorry for the delay, Mr Weaver.delay inWhy was there a delay in warning the public?bewarndelay ofa delay of about an hourlong/considerable/slight etc delayLong delays are expected on the motorways.delaybeexpectmotorway2[uncountable]DELAY when something does not happen or start when it should dowithout delayThey must restore normal services without delay.serviceThere can be no excuse for any further delay.farCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + delay a slight/short delay There was a slight delay in the departure of the plane.bea long/lengthy delay Patients often face long delays in getting the treatment they need.patientdelaygeta considerable/serious delay (=very long) After a considerable delay, the report was finally published.bepublisha 20-minute/6-month/4-week etc delay A train had broken down, causing a two-hour delay.havebreakcausetraffic delays The roadworks are likely to cause serious traffic delays.roadworkbedelayflight delays Unfortunately flight delays do sometimes occur.delayverbscause/lead to a delay The bad weather caused a three-hour delay in sending out rescue helicopters.causesendhelicopterexperience delays People are experiencing considerable delays in receiving their mail.beexperiencedelayreceiveface delays (=be likely to experience them) Commuters face long delays as a result of the rail strikes.commuterdelaystrikereduce delays (=make them shorter and less frequent) The new rules should reduce delays in bringing prisoners to trial.ruleshalldelaybringprisonerphrasesa series of delays (=a number of delays) After a series of delays and setbacks, the project was finally approved.delaysetbackbeapprove
delayverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdelaydelaysdelayeddelayingdelaydelay2 W3 verbDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: delaier, from laier ‘to leave’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]POSTPONE/DO LATER to wait until a later time to do something:
Don’t delay – send off for the information now.He delayed his decision on whether to call an election.delaydelay something until somethingThe opening of this section of the road is delayed until September.openbedelaydelay something for somethingOur meeting was delayed for ten minutes.meetbedelayminutedelay doing somethingBig companies often delay paying their bills.companypaybill2[transitive]DELAY to make someone or something lateseriously/badly/slightly etc delayedThe flight was badly delayed because of fog.bedelay—delayeddelayed adjectiveTHESAURUSdelay to wait until a later time to do something: He decided to delay his decision until he had seen the full report.decidehaveseepostpone to change an event to a later time or date: The meeting was postponed.meetbepostponeput off to delay doing something. Put off is less formal than delay or postpone, and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: I used to put off making difficult decisions.usemakedecision | The game has been put off till next week.havebehold off to delay doing something, especially while you are waiting for more information or for something else to happen: House buyers seem to be holding off until interest rates drop.buyerholdratedefer formal to delay doing something until a later date, usually because something else needs to happen first: The decision had been deferred until after a meeting of the directors.havebedefermeetdirector | She decided to defer her university application for a year so that she could go travelling.decidecantravelprocrastinate /prəˈkræstəneɪt, prəˈkræstɪneɪt/ formal to delay doing something that you ought to do: Don’t procrastinate – make a start on your assignments as soon as you get them.assignment
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]REACT something that is done as a reaction to something that has happened or been saidresponse tothe public’s response to our appeal for helpin response to somethingThe law was passed in response to public pressure.bepasspositive/favourable/negative etc responseThe exhibition has received a positive response from visitors.havereceivevisitoran emotional/angry responseThe decision provoked an angry response from residents.provokeresidentHis immediate response was one of disbelief.beEmmett’s new exhibition has met with a favourable response from critics.havemeetcritic2[countable]ANSWER/REPLY something that is said or written as a replyresponse to‘Sure, why not?’ was his response to all of Billie’s suggestions.besuggestionCarl made no response, and carried on with his meal.makecarryin response (to something)I am writing in response to your letter of June 12.bewriteRonni merely groaned in response.groan → rapid-responseCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa positive/favourable response The product met with a highly positive response from the public.meeta negative response In Russia, the planned expansion provoked a negative response.planprovokean enthusiastic response There has been an enthusiastic response to the introduction of soccer coaching for girls.havebecoachgirlan angry response His comments sparked an angry response from opposition politicians.commentsparkpoliticiana good/encouraging response (=when people like something or show interest) We’ve had a good response from the public.havesb’s immediate response When he was sentenced, his immediate response was to appeal.besentencebea direct response Her resignation was in direct response to the party’s poor results in the local elections.beresultelectionan appropriate response She laughed, which didn't really seem an appropriate response.laugha strong response The photograph provoked a strong response from many people.provokean emotional response When she died, the emotional response was extraordinary.diebeverbsget a positive etc response She got an enthusiastic response to her suggestion.getreceive a positive etc response (=get it) The proposal has received a positive response from most left-wing voters.havereceiveleavevotermeet with a positive etc response (=get it) The change met with a mixed response from employees.meetmixemployeeprovoke a response The report provoked a strong response from a number of senior politicians.provokenumbpoliticiandraw/bring a response from somebody The appeal for aid brought a big response from the West.bring
verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1REPLACEto start doing something instead of another person, or start being used instead of another thing: I’m replacing Sue on the team.replaceLectures have replaced the old tutorial system.lecturereplace2REPLACEto remove someone from their job or something from its place, and put a new person or thing there: Two of the tyres had to be replaced.tyrehavereplacereplace something with somethingThey replaced the permanent staff with part-timers.replacetimer3REPLACEif you replace something that has been broken, stolen etc, you get a new one → irreplaceable: I’ll replace the vase I broke as soon as possible.break4PUTto put something back where it was before: He replaced the book on the shelf.replace—replaceablereplaceable adjectiveRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say put something back rather than replace something: Don't forget to put the books back when you've finished.bookfinishTHESAURUSa personreplace if one person replaces another, they do a job or activity instead of the other person, usually permanently: The opposition leader Zhelyu Zhelev was elected to replace him.beelect | How will we ever find anyone who can replace you? | The lead singer was replaced by Ray Willis back in 1992.bereplacetake somebody's place/take the place of somebody to do something instead of someone: It will be difficult to find someone to take her place. | Doctor Rice is on holiday. I'm taking his place.betake | The court may allow another relative to take the place of the parent.take over to replace someone in a job or position, and continue their work: The new manager took over in July.take | Sales are up (=they have increased)since he took over the company.salebetakestand in for somebody to replace someone at work on a particular occasion: She was filming in Australia, so she asked a friend to stand in for her at the awards ceremony.befilmaskaward | During the dangerous scenes, stuntmen and women stand in for the actors.scenewomanactorfill in for somebody to replace someone in a job for a short time: Susan will fill in for me while I'm away.a thingreplace if one thing replaces another, it is used instead of the other thing, usually permanently: The car was old and needed replacing.beneedreplace | Computers have replaced typewriters.computerreplacetypewritertake something's place/take the place of something to be used instead of another thing: If any of the eight units fails, its place will be taken by the back-up unit.unitfailtake | MP3 players are taking the place of CDs.playerbetake | Ugly concrete apartment buildings have taken the place of the old houses.buildingtakehousesupersede to take the place of something – used especially about inventions, methods, organizations etc: The League of Nations was superseded by the United Nations in 1946.nationbesupersedeunitenation | Analysis by manual calculation has been superseded by more modern computer-based methods.havebesupersedebasemethod | Goose used to be a traditional Christmas bird until turkey superseded it in popularity.usesupersede | Iron began to supersede bronze for tool making about 3000 years ago.beginmakeyearsubstitute something for something to use something instead of the thing that you usually use, because the usual thing is not available – used especially about food: You can substitute margarine for butter in most recipes.recipe
adjective [no comparative]Word family1DIFFERENTdifferent: Use separate knives for raw and cooked meat.knifecookMy wife and I have separate bank accounts.account2not related to or not affected by something else: That’s a separate issue.He was attacked on two separate occasions.beattackoccasionseparate fromHe tries to keep his professional life completely separate from his private life.try3SEPARATEnot joined to or touching something else: The gym and the sauna are in separate buildings.bebuildingseparate fromKeep the fish separate from the other food.4go your separate ways a)SEPARATEif people go their separate ways, they stop being friends or lovers b)TRAVELif people who have been travelling together go their separate ways, they start travelling in different directions—separatelyseparately adverb: They did arrive together, but I think they left separately.doleave
separateverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1 2Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesseparateseparatesseparatedseparatingseparatesep‧a‧rate2 S2 W2 /ˈsepəreɪt/ verb
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of separare, from se- ‘apart’ + parare ‘to prepare, get’ Verb form1be between [transitive]SEPARATE if something separates two places or two things, it is between them so that they are not touching each otherseparate something from something
The lighthouse is separated from the land by a wide channel.beseparate2divide [intransitive and transitive]SEPARATE to divide or split into different parts, or to make something do this: This will keep your dressing from separating.dressseparateseparate fromAt this point, the satellite separates from its launcher.separateseparate something into somethingSeparate the students into four groups.studentgroupFirst, separate the eggs (=divide the white part from the yellow part).egg3stop living together [intransitive]DIVORCE if two people who are married or have been living together separate, they start to live apart: Jill and John separated a year ago.separate4recognize difference [transitive]SEPARATE to recognize that one thing or idea is different from anotherseparate something from somethingShe finds it difficult to separate fact from fantasy.find5move apart [intransitive and transitive]SEPARATE if people separate, or if someone or something separates them, they move apart: Ed stepped in to separate the two dogs.stepdogseparate somebody from somebody/somethingIn the fog, they got separated from the group.getseparate6make somebody/something different [transitive]DIFFERENT to be the quality or fact that makes someone or something different from other people or thingsseparate something from somethingThe capacity to think separates humans from animals.separatehumananimal7better/older [transitive] if an amount separates two things, one thing is better or older than the other by that amount: Three points now separate the two teams.pointteam8separate the men from the boys informalDIFFERENT to show clearly which people are brave, strong, or skilled, and which are not9separate the sheep from the goats British English (also separate the wheat from the chaff)DIFFERENT to separate the good things from the bad thingsTHESAURUSto make something separateseparate verb [transitive] to divide something into two or more parts or groups, or to divide one type of thing from another. You use separate especially when saying that the parts are different from each other: Motorola is planning to separate the company into two public companies.beplancompany | The items are separated into recyclable and non-recyclable waste.itembeseparatedivide verb [transitive] to make something become two or more parts or groups: The teacher divided us into groups.dividegroup | The money was divided between them.bedivide | The house is divided into three apartments.bedivideapartmentsplit verb [transitive] to separate something into two or more groups, parts etc – used especially when each part is equal in size: The class was split into groups of six.begroupbreak something up phrasal verb [transitive] to separate something into several smaller parts, especially to make it easier to deal with: The phone company was broken up to encourage competition.bebreak | Police used tear gas to break up the crowd.usesegregate verb [transitive] to separate one group of people from others because of race, sex, religion etc: Schools were racially segregated.schoolbesegregate | Some prisons segregate prisoners who are infected with HIV.prisonprisonerbeinfectto become separateseparate verb [intransitive] to divide into different parts, especially in a natural way: A watery liquid separates from the milk during cheesemaking.separatesplit verb [intransitive] to separate into two or more parts or groups – used especially when each part is equal in size: What happens when an atom splits?happensplitbreak up phrasal verb [intransitive] to separate into several smaller parts: In spring, the icebergs begin to break up.icebergseparate somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1SEPARATEto divide a group of people or things into smaller groups: We must separate out these different factors and examine each one.factor2SEPARATEto remove one type of thing or person from a groupseparate somebody/something ↔ out fromMany older people may prefer not to be separated out from the rest of the adult population.oldseparate
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: hors
1 [countable] a large strong animal that people ride and use for pulling heavy things → pony, equine, equestrian: a horse and cartLee had never ridden a horse before.haveride2the horses British English informal horse races: Jim likes a bet on the horses.likehorse3[countable] a piece of sports equipment in a gymnasium that people jump over4(straight/right) from the horse’s mouthFIND OUT if you hear or get information straight from the horse’s mouth, you are told it by someone who has direct knowledge of it5horses for courses British English the process of matching people with suitable jobs or activities6a two/three/four etc horse race a competition or an election that only two etc competitors can win7a horse of a different color (also a horse of another color American English) something that is completely different from another thing8horse sense old-fashionedSENSIBLE sensible judgment gained from experience SYN common sense9EXCHANGE[uncountable] old-fashioned informal heroin → dark horse, → never/don’t look a gift horse in the mouth at gift(7), → be flogging a dead horse at flog(3), → hold your horses at hold1(15), → put the cart before the horse at cart1(4), → stalking horse, white horses
horseverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entrieshorsehorseshorsedhorsinghorsehorse2 verbVerb formhorse around/about phrasal verb informalVIOLENT to play roughly → horseplay: Stop horsing around – you’ll break something!horse
verb (past tense and past participle slept /slept/) [intransitive]Word familyVerb form1SLEEPto rest your mind and body, usually at night when you are lying in bed with your eyes closed → asleep: I usually sleep on my back.Did you sleep well?doHe’s lucky because at least he has somewhere to sleep.littlehave2sleep rough British EnglishSLEEPHOME to sleep outdoors in uncomfortable conditions, especially because you have no money3sleep on it spokenDECIDE# to not make a decision about something important until the next day4sleep tight spokenSLEEP said especially to children before they go to bed to say that you hope they sleep well: Good night, Jenny. Sleep tight!5somebody can sleep easy used to say that someone no longer has to worry about something: Unlike some other Internet sites, when you buy from us, you can sleep easy.site6SLEEPsleep two/four/six etc to have enough beds for a particular number of people: The villa sleeps four.sleep7let sleeping dogs lieMENTION# to deliberately avoid mentioning a subject, so that you do not cause any trouble or argument8literaryQUIET if a village, house etc sleeps, it is very quiet during the nightCOLLOCATIONSadverbssleep well I haven’t been sleeping well lately.besleepsleep badly Eleanor slept badly that night.sleepsleep soundly/deeply (=in a way that means you are not likely to wake) Within seconds, Maggie was sleeping soundly.secondbesleepsleep peacefully Celia slept peacefully beside him.sleepsleep uneasily (=not sleep well, because you are worried) That night I slept uneasily, anxious about the meeting the next day.sleepmeetsleep fitfully literary (=sleep badly, waking up after short periods, especially because you are worried) She slept fitfully, her mind filled with images of Jack’s face.sleepfillimagebarely/hardly sleep (=to not sleep well) I’d hardly slept the night before the wedding.sleepsleep late (=not wake up until late in the morning) She had slept late; it was already eleven.havesleepbephrasescan’t/couldn’t sleep I went to bed, but I couldn’t sleep.gobe unable to sleep He lay down but was unable to sleep.liebehave trouble sleeping (=to not sleep well) Why do so many elderly people have trouble sleeping?sleepsleep like a log (also sleep like a baby) informal (=sleep very well) I was exhausted and slept like a log.beexhaustsleepnot sleep a wink informal (=not sleep at all) I didn’t sleep a wink last night.THESAURUSsleep to rest your mind and body with your eyes closed. Sleep is usually used when talking about how long, how deeply, or where someone sleeps. When saying that someone is not awake, you use be asleep: Most people sleep for about eight hours.hour | He slept downstairs.sleep | Did you sleep well?dobe asleep to be sleeping: The baby’s asleep – don’t wake her. | He was fast asleep (=completely asleep)by the time I got home.begetoversleep to sleep for longer than you intended so that you wake up late in the morning: I overslept and was late for work.oversleepbetake a nap (also have a nap especially British English) (also have forty winks informal) to sleep for a short time during the day: I think I’ll have a nap. | She had been awake all night and was looking forward to taking a nap.havebebelooktakehave/take a snooze informal to sleep for a short time, especially in a chair, not in a bed: I think I’ll have a quick snooze.doze to sleep lightly, for example in a chair, and be easily woken: I wasn’t really asleep – I was just dozing.bedoze | I must have dozed off (=started sleeping) halfway through the film.dozekip British English informal to sleep somewhere, especially somewhere that is not your home – a very informal use: I kipped at my mate’s for a couple of days.kipday | Is it alright if I kip on the floor?besleep around phrasal verb informal SEX/HAVE SEX WITHto have sex with a lot of different people without having a serious relationship with any of them – used to show disapprovalsleep in phrasal verb informal WAKE UP/GET UPto let yourself sleep later than usual in the morning: We usually sleep in on Sunday mornings.morningsleep something ↔ off phrasal verb informal SLEEPto sleep until you do not feel ill any more, especially after drinking too much alcohol: He went to his room to sleep it off.gosleep over phrasal verb STAY WITH SB, IN A HOTEL ETCto sleep at someone’s house for a night – used especially by childrensleep through phrasal verb1sleep through somethingSLEEP to sleep while something is happening and not be woken by it: How did you manage to sleep through that thunderstorm?do2sleep through (something)SLEEP to sleep continuously for a long time: I slept right through till lunchtime.sleepThe baby slept peacefully through the night.sleepsleep together phrasal verb SEX/HAVE SEX WITHif people sleep together, they have sex with each othersleep with somebody phrasal verb SEX/HAVE SEX WITHto have sex with someone, especially someone you are not married to: Everybody in the office knows he’s been sleeping with Kathy.knowbesleep
sleepnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessleepsleepssleepsleep2 S2 W3 noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: slæp 1being asleep [uncountable]SLEEP the natural state of resting your mind and body, usually at night → beauty sleep:
I didn’t get much sleep last night.Her eyes were red through lack of sleep.eyebein your sleep (=while sleeping)Ed often talks in his sleep.talkShe died peacefully in her sleep.die2period of sleeping [singular]SLEEP a period when you are sleeping: I had a little sleep in the afternoon.haveShe was woken from a deep sleep by a ring at the door.bewake3go to sleep a)SLEEPto start sleeping: I went to sleep at 9 o'clock and woke up at 6.gowake b)informalFEEL HOT/COLD/TIRED ETC if a part of your body goes to sleep, you cannot feel it for a short time because it has not been getting enough blood4lose sleep over somethingWORRIED# to worry about something: It’s a practice game – I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it.5put somebody/something to sleep a)to give drugs to a sick animal so that it dies without too much pain – used to avoid saying the word ‘kill’ b)informalUNCONSCIOUS to make someone unconscious before a medical operation by giving them drugs6somebody can do something in their sleepGOOD AT informal used to say that someone is able to do something very easily, especially because they have done it many times before: She knew the music so well she could play it in her sleep.knowcan7send somebody to sleep a)to make someone go to sleep: The combination of warmth and music sent him to sleep.send b)if something sends someone to sleep, it is extremely boring8in your eyes [uncountable] informal a substance that forms in the corners of your eyes while you are sleeping: She rubbed the sleep from her eyes.rubeyeCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsgo to sleep (=start sleeping) He turned over and went to sleep.turngodrift/drop off to sleep (=start sleeping, especially without meaning to) She’d drifted off to sleep on the sofa.driftget to sleep (=succeed in starting to sleep) Last night I couldn’t get to sleep.go back/get back to sleep (=sleep again after waking up) He shut his eyes and went back to sleep.eyegosend somebody to sleep (=make someone start sleeping) She hoped the music would send her to sleep.hopewillget some sleep (=sleep for a while) You’d better get some sleep.wellhave a sleep British English (=sleep for a short while) Are you going to have a sleep after lunch today?begocatch up on some sleep (=sleep after not having enough sleep) I suggest you try and catch up on some sleep.sing/rock/lull somebody to sleep (=make someone sleep by singing etc) She was usually able to rock the baby back to sleep quite quickly.beadjectivesa long sleep He needed a decent meal and a long sleep.needa little/short sleep I always have a little sleep in the afternoon.a deep/sound/heavy sleep (=a sleep from which you cannot easily be woken) The noise woke him from a deep sleep.wakea light sleep (=a sleep from which you can easily be woken) I fell into a light sleep.falla dreamless sleep (=in which you do not dream) She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.fallan exhausted sleep (=because you were very tired) He finally woke from an exhausted sleep.wakeexhausta fitful/restless/uneasy sleep (=in which you keep moving or waking) My alarm woke me from a fitful sleep.wakephrasesa good night’s sleep (=when you sleep well) I woke up refreshed after a good night’s sleep.wakerefreshfive/eight etc hours’ sleep After eight hours’ sleep, I woke up in pitch blackness.hourwakedrift in and out of sleep (=keep almost waking up) I lay in the garden, drifting in and out of sleep.liedriftcry yourself to sleep (=cry until you fall asleep) I used to cry myself to sleep every night.usefall into a deep/long etc sleep (=start sleeping deeply, for a long time etc) He lay down on his bed and fell into a deep sleep.liefallwake/be woken from a deep/long etc sleep A very long time later I woke from a deep sleep.latewakeCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'go sleep’. Say go to sleep.THESAURUSsleep the natural state of resting your mind and body, when your eyes are closed and you do not notice anything happening around you: I hardly got any sleep at all last night.get | He woke suddenly from a deep sleep.wakeslumber/slumbers literary sleep: She fell into an uneasy slumber.fall | He awoke from his slumbers.awakeslumbershut-eye informal especially humorous sleep: I really need to get some shut-eye.doze a period in which you sleep lightly, especially when you are not in your bed: Edward was so tired he fell into a doze on the settee.betirefallsnooze informal a short period when you sleep lightly, especially when you are not in your bed: He decided to have a snooze on the sofa while he was waiting for the others to get ready.decidebewaitnap a short sleep, especially during the day: He’s taking a nap.take | Helen put the baby down for a nap after lunch.forty winks informal a short sleep, especially during the day: I’m just going to have forty winks.gowink | I felt a lot better after I had had forty winks.feelwellhavehavewink
noun
Sense 1, 3-10:Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old North French
Origin: roque, from Vulgar Latin roccaSense 2:
Date: 1900-2000
Origin: → ROCK2
1stone a)[uncountable] the hard substance that forms the main surface of the Earth → stone: To build the tunnel, they had to cut through 500 feet of solid rock.havefootMost of the country is desert and bare rock.bemassive rock formations (=shapes made naturally from rock)formationancient dark volcanic rock b)[countable] a piece of rock, especially a large one that sticks up from the ground: Jack stood on a rock for a better view.standwellDuring the storm a ship had been driven onto the rocks (=a line of rocks under or next to the sea).havebedriverock2music [uncountable] (also rock music) a type of popular modern music with a strong loud beat, played using guitars and drumsrock band/groupKomuro formed a rock band with some friends while in college.formfriendthe late rock star, Freddie MercuryThe stadium has hosted numerous rock concerts.havehostconcert → hard rock, → punk rock at punk(1)3(as) solid/steady as a rock a)STRONG OBJECTvery strongly built or well supported and not likely to break or fall: a large sofa, solid as a rock b)STRONG PERSONsomeone who is as solid or steady as a rock is very strong and calm in difficult situations and you can depend on them → rock-solid4[singular] someone who always gives you support and who you can depend on: My sister has always been my rock.havebe5be on the rocks informalFAIL a relationship or business that is on the rocks is having a lot of problems and is likely to fail soon SYN in trouble: I’m afraid Tim’s marriage is on the rocks.berock6scotch/vodka etc on the rocks informal an alcoholic drink that is served with ice but no water7sweet food [uncountable] British English a hard sweet made in long round pieces: a stick of rock8drug a)[uncountable] a very pure form of the illegal drug cocaine that some people use for pleasure b)[countable] a small amount of this drug9be (stuck) between a rock and a hard placeCHOOSE to have a choice between two things, both of which are unpleasant or dangerous10get your rocks off informal not politeSEX/HAVE SEX WITH if a man gets his rocks off, he has sex11jewel [countable usually plural] old-fashioned informal a diamond or other jewelCOLLOCATIONSadjectivessolid rock Steps had been carved out of the solid rock.stephavebecarvebare rock (=not covered by soil) Here there was only bare rock and gravel.bevolcanic rock The fossils are sandwiched between two layers of volcanic rock.fossilbesandwichlayermolten rock (=rock that is so hot it is liquid) Molten rock flowed into these cracks.flowcrackrock + NOUNa rock formation There are marvellous views of impressive rock formations.beviewformationverbsrock forms/is formed From the texture of the rock we can tell how it was formed.beformsomething erodes rock (=it gradually removes the surface of the rock) Rainwater drained away, forming streams and rivers that began to erode the rock.drainformstreamriverbeginrock erodes (away) (=its surface is gradually removed because of the action of water, wind etc ) The rocks had eroded away over the years.rockhaveerodeyearphrasesa lump/piece of rock His leg was trapped under a large lump of rock.betrapa layer of rock You can see six layers of rock in the cliff.layeran outcrop of rock (=a mass of rock that sticks up above the ground) The gulls nested on a outcrop of rock.gullnestTHESAURUSrock a piece of the hard substance that forms the main surface of the Earth. In British English, rocks are too large to pick up, but in American English, they can either be large or small: the rocks along the riverbanksrockriverbankstone a small piece of rock, found on the ground or near the surface of the ground. Speakers of American English are more likely to use the word rock than stone: The children were throwing stones into the water.childbethrowstoneboulder a large round piece of rock: She climbed over a few boulders at the edge of the sea.climbboulderpebble a small smooth stone found especially on a beach or on the bottom of a river: The beach was covered with smooth white pebbles.becoverpebblefossil a rock which has the shape of an animal or plant that lived many thousands of years ago: fossils of early reptilesfossilreptile
rockverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrockrocksrockedrockingrockrock2 verbLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: roccian Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]MOVE/CHANGE POSITION to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side, or to make something do this → sway:
She covered her face, rocking to and fro in her grief.coverrockThe waves rocked the boat from side to side.waverockPaul sat gently rocking the child in his arms.sitrockarmJim rocked with laughter when he heard what had happened.rockhearhavehappen2[transitive]SHOCK a)to make the people in a place or organization feel very shocked – used in news reports SYN shake: The scandal rocked the nation.rock b)to make the future of something seem less certain or steady than it was before, especially because of problems or changes SYN shake: Another financial blow has rocked the industry.haverockThe theory rocked the foundations of social and moral life.rockfoundation3rock the boat informalPROBLEM to cause problems for other members of a group by criticizing something or trying to change the way something is done: He kept his feelings to himself, not wanting to rock the boat.keepfeelingwant4[transitive] if an explosion or earthquake rocks an area, it makes it shake: Residents had only a few minutes to escape before the blast rocked their houses.residenthaveminuterockhouse5somebody/something rocks spoken informal said to show that you strongly approve of someone or something6rock sb’s world informal to cause someone to think about something or someone in a completely new way
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: individualis, from Latin individuus ‘undividable’, from dividere; → DIVIDE1 1[only before noun]DIFFERENT considered separately from other people or things in the same group:
Each individual leaf on the tree is different.bethe needs of the individual customerneed2[only before noun]OWN belonging to or intended for one person rather than a group: Children get more individual attention in small classes.childclassYou can have the bathroom designed to suit your individual needs.designneedindividual portions of jamportion3DIFFERENTan individual style, way of doing things etc is different from anyone else’s – usually used to show approval SYN distinctive: a tennis player with a highly individual stylea very individual way of dressingdress
individualnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesindividualindividualsindividualindividual2 S2 W1 AC noun [countable]Word family1INDEPENDENT PERSONa person, considered separately from the rest of the group or society that they live in: the rights of the individualrightEach individual receives two genes, one inherited from each parent.receivegeneinheritMost churches were built with donations from private individuals (=ordinary people, rather than the government or companies).churchbebuilddonationindividual2PERSON/PEOPLEa person of a particular kind, especially one who is unusual in some way: a strange-looking individuallookCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivesan ordinary individual Ordinary individuals need no more than 3–5 grams of salt per day.individualgrama talented/gifted individual He had taken a group of talented individuals and built a superb team.havetakeindividualbuildan outstanding individual (=with unusually good qualities) We need a few outstanding individuals to act as leaders.individualleadera private individual (=a person, not a company or business) Few shares in the company are owned by private individuals.sharebeownindividuala particular individual The writer is addressing a general reader rather than a particular individual.beaddressa single individual (=one person on their own) Equipment of this kind is not something a single individual could afford.becana wealthy individual (=a wealthy person) Large ranches are often owned by corporations or wealthy individuals.ranchbeowncorporationindividualselected individuals (=ones who are specially chosen for something) Selected individuals were invited to the dinner.selectindividualbeinviteisolated individuals (=one on their own, not in a group with others) Society does not consist of isolated individuals.doisolateindividuallike-minded individuals (=people who share the same opinions) The message board is a forum where like-minded individuals can communicate.bemindindividualphrasestreat somebody as an individual Each student must be treated as an individual.treata group of individuals We need to perform as a team rather than a group of individuals.individualthe needs of the individual The fitness program is adapted to the needs of the individual.beadaptneedthe rights of the individual The rights of the individual must be protected.rightprotectfreedom of the individual We live in a society which prizes the freedom of the individual.prizerespect for the individual The policies are based on respect for the individual.policybebaseindividuals vary (=everyone is different) Individuals vary in their ability to adapt to change.individual
noun [uncountable]Word family1a continuing increase in prices, or the rate at which prices increase: Inflation is now at over 16%.be2AIRthe process of filling something with airCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + inflationlow France had achieved low inflation and steady growth.haveachievehigh Inflation remained high throughout this period.remainannual inflation Annual inflation in 1990 was 8.1%.berising inflation The country was hit by rising inflation.berisespiralling/soaring inflation (=inflation that is increasing quickly and out of control) Argentina was suffering from spiralling inflation.besufferspiralprice/wage inflation (=increasing prices/wages) Price inflation was running at about twelve percent last summer.beruninflation + NOUNthe inflation rate/the rate of inflation The current inflation rate stands at 4.1%.standthe inflation figures April's inflation figures are likely to show a further fall.figurebefarverbscause/lead to inflation Too much government borrowing can lead to inflation.borrowfuel inflation/push up inflation (=make inflation worse) The increase in food prices is fuelling inflation.pricebefuel | There are now fears that price rises will push up inflation.befearrisecontrol/curb inflation (=prevent it from increasing more) These measures are designed to curb inflation.measurebedesignfight/combat inflation An economic plan to combat inflation was drawn up.bedrawreduce inflation/get inflation down The government has promised to reduce inflation to 3%.havepromise | The government's top priority is to get inflation down to 2%.bekeep inflation down (=keep it at a low level) These policies will help to keep inflation down.policyinflation rises Inflation rose steadily from the mid-1960sriseinflation falls Inflation fell by 0.5% last month.fallinflation is running at 3%/4% etc (also inflation stands at 3%/4% etc) (=used to talk about the present rate of inflation) Inflation currently stands at 3.2%.standkeep pace with inflation (=be at the same level as inflation) Salaries have not kept pace with inflation.salarykeep
noun
Word family1amount of space [uncountable and countable]DISTANCE the amount of space between two places or thingsdistance from/betweenthe distance from Chicago to DetroitMeasure the distance between the two points.pointThe cottage is some distance (=quite a long distance) from the road.beat a distance of 2 feet/10 metres etcA shark can smell blood at a distance of half a kilometer.RegisterIn everyday English, when talking about how far something is, people often use an expression such as how far or a long/short way rather than the noun distance: What is the distance from Chicago to Detroit? ➔ How far is it from Chicago to Detroit? | The cottage is some distance from the road. ➔ The cottage is a long way from the road.2far away [singular] used to talk about a situation when something is far away from you in space or timein the distanceChurch bells rang in the distance (=they were far away).bellringat/from a distanceWe watched from a distance.watch3unfriendly feeling [singular]UNFRIENDLY a situation in which two people do not have a close friendly relationshipdistance betweenThere was still a distance between me and my father.be4keep your distance a)to stay far enough away from someone or something to be safe: A lighthouse on the cliff warns ships to keep their distance.warnship b)(also keep somebody at a distance) to avoid becoming too friendly with someone: The neighbours tend to keep their distance.neighbour5go the (full) distance informal to finish something you have started: Do you think Greg will go the distance this time? → long-distance, middle distanceCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa long/great/considerable distance The sound of guns seemed a long distance away.gunseema short distance I quickly walked the short distance to the car.walka safe distance (=enough space to be safe) You should keep a safe distance from the car in front.shallsome distance (=quite a long distance) He heard a scream some distance away.hearvast distances The aircraft is able to carry huge loads over vast distances.beloaddistancethe stopping/braking distance (=how far you travel in a car after pressing the brakes) What’s the stopping distance at 30 miles an hour?stopmilverbstravel a great/long etc distance In some countries children must travel great distances to school each day.countrychilddistancemeasure the distance between things Now we are able to measure the distances between the planets.bedistanceplanetjudge distances (=judge how much space there is between things) Animals that hunt can judge distances very well.animaldistancephraseswithin (easy) walking distance (=near enough to walk to easily) There are lots of restaurants within walking distance.belotrestaurantwalkwithin travelling/commuting/driving distance of something (=near enough to make travel to or from a place possible) The job was not within travelling distance of my home.betravelwithin striking distance of something (=not far from something, especially something you are going to attack) Their troops had advanced to within striking distance of the town.troophaveadvancestrikewithin spitting distance informal (=very near something) The ball passed within spitting distance of the goal.passspitput some distance between yourself and somebody/something (=go quite a long way from them) He wanted to put some distance between himself and his pursuers.wantpursuer
distanceverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdistancedistancesdistanceddistancingdistancedistance2 verbWord familyVerb form distance yourself (from something)CONNECTED WITH to say that you are not involved with someone or something, especially to avoid being connected with them: The UNO has firmly distanced itself from the anti-government movement.havedistance
verb
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: lypta Verb form
1move something upwards (also lift up) [transitive]LIFT to move something or someone upwards into the air: Sophie lifted the phone before the second ring.liftHe lifted the lid on the pot of soup.liftThe lumber was lifted by crane and dropped into the truck.beliftdroplift somebody/something onto/into/out of etc somethingThey lifted Andrew onto the bed.liftlift somebody from somethingThe driver was lifted from the wreck.belift2part of the body (also lift up) [intransitive and transitive]LIFTUP to move part of your body up to a higher position SYN raiselift your hand/arm/leg etcShe lifted her hand to knock on the door once again.liftPam lifted her shoulders in a little shrug.liftshoulderlift your head/eyes (=move your head or eyes up so that you can look at something)She lifted her head to gaze at him.liftHe heard a scream and the hairs on the back of his neck began to lift.hearhairbegin3controls/laws [transitive]LAW to remove a rule or a law that says that something is not allowedlift a restriction/an embargo/sanctions etcThe government plans to lift its ban on cigar imports.planimport4by plane [transitive always + adverb/preposition]TAKE/BRING to take people or things to or from a place by aircraft: More troops are being lifted into the area as the fighting spreads.troopbebeliftfightspread5not lift a finger (to do something) informalHELP to do nothing to help: He never lifted a finger to help me with the kids.liftkid6lift sb’s spiritsHAPPY to make someone feel more cheerful and hopeful7clouds/mist [intransitive]DISAPPEAR if cloud or mist lifts, it disappears8sad feelings [intransitive]FEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETC if feelings of sadness lift, they disappear: Jan’s depression seemed to be lifting at last.seemlift9use sb’s ideas/words [transitive]COPY to take words, ideas etc from someone else’s work and use them in your work, without stating where they came from and as if they were your own words etclift something from somebody/somethingThe words were lifted from an article in a medical journal.wordbelift10steal [transitive] informalSTEAL to steal somethinglift something from somebody/somethingThey had lifted dozens of CDs from the store.havelift11voice (also lift up) [transitive] literaryLOUD/NOISY if you lift your voice, you speak, shout, or sing more loudly SYN raise12increase [transitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to make prices, profit etc increase: The U.S. may use tax cuts to lift the economy.cut13vegetables [transitive] to dig up vegetables that grow under the ground: She was lifting potatoes.beliftpotatoTHESAURUSlift (up) to move something or someone upwards to a higher position, especially something heavy, either by using your hands or a machine: You shouldn’t lift anything heavy if you have a bad back. | She lifted the lid from a huge pot and took a sniff.lifttake | They lifted me onto a stretcher and took me to the ambulance.lifttake | He lifted the girl up onto his knee.lift | They used a crane to lift the carriages back onto the rails.usecarriagerail | The massive bull lifted him bodily into the air and shook him repeatedly.liftshakeraise to lift something to a higher position for a short time before lowering it again. Raise is more formal than lift: The bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass under it.raiseship | ‘Cheers, everyone!’ said Larry, raising his glass.cheersayraisepick up to lift something up from the ground, from a table etc, especially something small or light: She picked up her bag and left the room.pickleave | Tom picked the papers up off the floor.pickpaper | Why don’t you just pick up the phone and call him? | Maurin picked up the gun and put it in his pocket.pick | The lioness picked her cub up by its neck.pick | There are papers all over the floor – could you pick them up and put them away?bepapercan | The little girl’s mother laughed and bent down to pick her up.laughbend | The vacuum cleaner won’t pick this stuff up.cleanwinscoop up to lift someone or something quickly from the ground, from a table etc, using your hand or arm: She bent down and scooped up the little dog.bendscoophoist to lift up something which is heavy and difficult to carry: Joe picked up the sack and hoisted it onto the truck.pickhoist | The crowd hoisted him onto their shoulders and carried him triumphantly down the main street.hoistshouldercarryelevate technical to lift something to a higher position and keep it there: The doctor advised me to rest and elevate my ankle.adviseput your hand up to lift your arm into the air, for example because you want to speak in a class or when voting: Put your hand up if you know the answer.lift off phrasal verb UPif an aircraft or spacecraft lifts off, it leaves the ground and rises into the air
liftnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesliftliftsliftlift2 S3 W3 noun
1in a building [countable] British English a machine that you can ride in, that moves up and down between the floors in a tall building SYN elevator American English: They took the lift down to the bar.takeIt’s on the 3rd floor. Let’s use the lift.2in a car [countable]DRIVE if you give someone a lift, you take them somewhere in your car SYN ride: Do you want a lift into town?John gave me a lift home.giveHe very kindly offered me a lift.offer3give somebody/something a liftHAPPY a)to make someone feel more cheerful and more hopeful: The new park has given everyone in the neighbourhood a lift.havegive b)to make something such as a business, the economy etc operate better: The Bank of England’s announcement gave the stock market a lift today.give4lifting movementUP [countable] a movement in which something is lifted or raised up: She does sit-ups and leg lifts every morning.douplift5wind/aircraft [uncountable] the pressure of air that keeps something such as an aircraft up in the air or lifts it higher → chairlift, ski lift
noun [countable]Date: 1500-1600Language: Italian
Origin: novella; → NOVELLA a long written story in which the characters and events are usually imaginary → fiction:
a novel by Jane AustenIt took Vikram Seth three years to write his 1,349-page novel ‘A Suitable Boy’.takeyeardetective/romantic/historical etc novela newly published science fiction novelpublishTHESAURUStypes of booknovel noun [countable] a book about imaginary people and events: The film is based on Nick Hornby’s best-selling novel.bebasewellsell | a historical novelfiction noun [uncountable] books that describe imaginary people and events: She reads a lot of romantic fiction.readliterature noun [uncountable] novels and plays that are considered to be important works of art: I’m studying American literature at university.studynon-fiction noun [uncountable] books that describe real people and events: Men tend to prefer non-fiction.manscience fiction noun [uncountable] books about imaginary events in the future or space travelreference book noun [countable] a book such as a dictionary or encyclopedia, which you look at to find informationtextbook noun [countable] a book about a particular subject that you use in a classroomset book British English, course book British English noun [countable] a book that you have to study as part of your courseguidebook noun [countable] a book telling visitors about a city or countrypicture book noun [countable] a book for children with many pictures in ithardcover/hardback noun [countable] a book that has a hard stiff coverpaperback noun [countable] a book that has a paper coverbiography noun [countable] a book about a real person’s life, written by another personautobiography noun [countable] a book that someone has written about their own liferecipe book/cookery book British English (also cookbook American English) noun [countable] a book that tells you how to cook different meals
noveladjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesnovelnovelnovel2 adjective [usually before noun]Date: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: ‘new’, from Latin novellus, from novus ‘new’ NEWnot like anything known before, and unusual or interestingnovel idea/approach/method etc
What a novel idea!THESAURUSnew: a new sports centresport | a new edition of the book | an entirely new theory of time and spacebrand new completely new: a brand new car | The house looks brand new.lookrecent made, produced etc a short time ago: recent research into brain chemistrythe latest [only before noun] the most recent: Have you seen his latest film?seelate | the latest fashions from Parislatefashionmodern different from earlier things of the same kind because of using new methods, equipment, or designs: modern technology | modern farming methodsfarmmethod | a modern kitchenoriginal new and completely different from what other people have done or thought of before, especially in a way that seems interesting: The play is highly original.be | His style is completely original.befresh fresh ideas, evidence, or ways of doing things are new and different, and are used instead of previous ones: We need a fresh approach to the problem. | They want young people with fresh ideas.idea | Police think they may have found some fresh evidence that links him to the murder.findlinknovel new and different in a surprising and unusual way – used especially about a suggestion, experience, or way of doing something: The club have come up with a novel way of raising cash.raise | The King was passionately in love, which was a novel experience for him.bebeinnovative completely new and showing a lot of imagination – used especially about a design or way of doing something: an attractive website with an innovative design | They came up with an innovative approach to the problem.comerevolutionary completely new in a way that has a very big effect – used especially about an idea, method, or invention: a revolutionary treatment for breast cancer | His theories were considered to be revolutionary at the time.theorybeconsidernew-fangled [only before noun] used about something that is new and modern but which you disapprove of: My grandfather hated all this newfangled technology.hate
verb
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: earnian Verb form1money for work [intransitive and transitive]PROFIT to receive a particular amount of money for the work that you do:
He earns nearly £20,000 a year.earnYou don’t earn much money being a nurse.beHe did all sorts of jobs to earn a living.dosortjobliveI was the only person in the house who was earning.bebeearnShe was earning good money at the bank.beearnChris will pay – he’s earning a fortune.earn2profit [transitive]EARN to make a profit from business or from putting money in a bank etc: The movie earned £7 million on its first day.earnYou could earn a higher rate of interest elsewhere.canhigh3something deserved [transitive]DESERVE a)to do something or have qualities that make you deserve something: I think you’ve earned a rest.earnHe soon earned the respect of the players.earnplayerHe hopes to earn a place in the team.hopeThe company has earned a reputation for reliability.haveearn b)if your actions or qualities earn you something, they make you deserve to have itearn somebody somethingThat performance earned her an Oscar as Best Actress.earnwell4earn your/its keepEARN a)to do jobs in return for being given a home and food: We older children were expected to earn our keep.oldchildbeexpect b)to be useful enough to be worth the time or money spent: These aircraft are still earning their keep.beearnCOLLOCATIONSnounsearn money I’d like to earn more money than I do now.earn a wage/salary You are more likely to earn a decent wage if you have a degree.beearn a living (also earn your living) (=earn the money you need to live) She started to earn a living by selling her jewellery on a market stall.startlivesellearn £30,000 a year/$200 a week/£5 an hour etc Newly qualified teachers earn a minimum of £24,000 a year.qualifyteacherearn good money (=earn a lot of money) You can earn good money working in London.workearn a fortune (=earn an extremely large amount of money) Footballers at the top clubs earn a fortune these days.footballerclubdayTHESAURUSearn to be paid a particular amount of money for your work. Earn is more formal than get or make: A newly-qualified teacher can expect to earn about £20,000 a year.qualifyget to earn a particular amount of money every hour, week etc: How much do you get an hour? | She gets more than I do.getmake to earn money, especially a lot of money, or money that is not from regular employment: You can make a lot of money in banking.bank | Jo makes a bit of extra money by selling his paintings.makebitesellpaintingbe on something British English to earn a particular amount of money each year. This is the most common way of talking about someone’s salary in British English: How much are you on?be | Some chief executives are on huge salaries.executivebesalarybe/get paid to receive money for work that you do for an employer, not by working for yourself: Workers are paid around $500 a month.workerbepay | I get paid monthly.paywell-paid/badly-paid paid a lot of money/not much money for the work that you do: well-paid lawyers working in the citypaylawyerwork | It was boring badly-paid work.beborepaytake home to earn a particular amount of money after tax etc has been taken away from your pay: After tax and other deductions, I only take home £200 a week.deduction
verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: quotare, from Latin quot ‘how many’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to repeat exactly what someone else has said or writtenquote from
She quoted from a newspaper article.quoteHe quoted a short passage from the Bible.quoteA military spokesman was quoted as saying that the border area is now safe.bequotesaybequote somebody on somethingCan I quote you on that?2[transitive] to give a piece of information that is written down somewhere: You can order by phoning our hotline and quoting your credit card number.phonequotenumbHe quoted a figure of 220 deaths each year from accidents in the home.quotedeathaccident3[transitive]EXAMPLE to give something as an example to support what you are saying SYN cite: Mr Jackson quoted the case of an elderly man who had been evicted from his home.quotehavebeevictquote something as somethingHe quoted the example of France as a country with a good rail service.quoteThe nurses’ union was quoted as an example of a responsible trade union.nursebequote4[transitive] to tell a customer the price you will charge them for a service or product: They quoted a price of £15,000.quotequote something for somethingThe firm originally quoted £6,000 for the whole job.quote5[transitive] to give the price of a share or currency: The pound was quoted this morning at just under $1.46.bequoteThe company is now quoted on the stock exchange (=people can buy and sell shares in it).bequote6(I) quote spoken used when you are going to repeat what someone else has said, to emphasize that it is exactly the way they said it: The minister said, quote: ‘There will be no more tax increases this year.’sayincrease7quote ... unquote spoken used at the beginning and end of a word or phrase that someone else has said or written, to emphasize that you are repeating it exactly
quotenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesquotequotesquotequote2 S2 AC noun [countable]Word family1a sentence or phrase from a book, speech etc which you repeat in a speech or piece of writing because it is interesting or amusing SYN quotationquote froma quote from the minister’s speech2in quotes words that are in quotes are written with quotation marks around them to show that someone said those words3a statement of how much it will probably cost to build or repair something SYN estimate: Always get a quote before proceeding with repair work.proceed
, EasternEastern /ˈiːstən $ -ərn/ adjective (written abbreviation E)Word family1in or from the east of a country or area: the eastern shore of the islandfarmers in eastern Englandfarmer2in or from the countries in Asia, especially China and Japan: Eastern religionsreligion3in or from the countries in the east part of Europe, especially the countries that used to have Communist governments: Eastern Europe
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: espace, from Latin spatium ‘area, room, length of space or time’ 1empty area [uncountable]SPACE/ROOM the amount of an area, room, container etc that is empty or available to be usedspace for
There’s space for a table and two chairs.chairHow much space is there on each disk?bemore/less/enough spaceNow that we’ve got three kids, it’d be nice to have a bit more space.getkidbitespace to do somethingHe had plenty of space to study.haveThe hedge takes up too much space.takesense/feeling of space (=the feeling that a place is large and empty, so you can move around easily)In small homes, a single colour scheme can create a sense of space.home2area for particular purpose [uncountable and countable]SPACE/GAP an area, especially one used for a particular purpose: a supermarket with 700 free parking spacesparkspacestorage/cupboard/shelf spaceWe really do need more storage space.the factory’s floor space (=the size of the available floor area)3between things [countable]SPACE/GAP an empty place between two things, or between two parts of something SYN gapspace betweenthe space between the house and the garageThere was an empty space where the flowers had been.beflowerhavebe4outside the earth [uncountable] the area beyond the Earth where the stars and planets arein/into spaceWho was the first American in space?becreatures from outer space (=far away in space)creaturespace travel/research/programme/explorationthe history of space travel5where things exist [uncountable]AREA all of the area in which everything exists, and in which everything has a position or direction: the exact point in space where two lines meetlinehow people of other cultures think about time and spaceculture6time a)in/within the space of somethingPERIOD OF TIME within a particular period of time: Mandy had four children in the space of four years.havechildyear b)a short space of time a short period of time: They achieved a lot in a short space of time.achieve7empty land [uncountable and countable]AREA land, or an area of land that has not been built on: a pleasant town centre with plenty of open spacethe wide open spaces of the prairiesspaceprairiethe loss of green space in citiescity8freedom [uncountable]FREE TO DO WHAT YOU WANT the freedom to do what you want or do things on your own, especially in a relationship with someone else: We give each other space in our marriage.She needed time and space to sort out her life.need9in writing [countable] a)EMPTYan empty area between written or printed words, lines etc: Leave a space after each number.numb b)SPACE/GAPthe width of a typed letter of the alphabet: The word ‘the’ takes up three spaces.takespace c)EMPTYa place provided for you to write your name or other information on a document, piece of paper etc: Please write any comments in the space provided.commentprovide10in a report/book [uncountable] the amount of space in a newspaper, magazine, or book that is used for a particular subject: The story got very little space in the national newspapers.getnewspaper11look/stare/gaze into spaceLOOK AT to look straight in front of you without looking at anything in particular, usually because you are thinking → breathing space, personal space, → waste of space at waste1(5), → watch this space at watch1(11)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 3adjectivessmall There was only a small space between the car and the wall.benarrow Nathan stood in the doorway, filling the narrow space.standfilla confined/enclosed space (=small and enclosed) It was difficult being together in such a confined space.bebeconfinean empty space Another day we returned to find an empty space where the TV should have been.returnshallbea blank space (=on a page, wall etc) Write your refund request in the blank space on Line 9.verbsclear/make a space Jack cleared a space for his newspaper on the table.clearleave a space Leave a space for the title at the top.fit in/into a space Decide what kind of table and chairs will fit best into the space.chairwellCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 4adjectivesouter space (=areas a long way from the Earth) Meteorites are rocks from outer space.meteoriteberockdeep space (=areas a very long way from the Earth) The probe will continue its journey into deep space.space + NOUNspace travel What will space travel be like in the future?space exploration They are developing robots that can be used for space exploration.bedeveloprobotusespace research The institute is a world leader in space research.bea space programme British English, a space program American English This technology was originally developed by the American space program.bedevelopphrasesthe far/furthest/vast reaches of space (=the far, furthest etc areas of space) Light takes time to travel across the vast reaches of space.takereachTHESAURUShole an empty space in the surface of something, which sometimes goes all the way through it: A fox had dug a hole under our fence.havedig | Rain was coming in through a hole in the roof.becomespace an empty area between two things, into which you can put something: Are there any empty spaces on the bookshelf?bespace | a parking spaceparkgap an empty area between two things or two parts of something, especially one that should not be there: He has a gap between his two front teeth.havetooth | I squeezed through a gap in the hedge.squeezeopening a hole that something can pass through or that you can see through, especially at the entrance of something: The train disappeared into the dark opening of the tunnel.disappearopen | I looked through the narrow opening in the wall.lookopenleak a small hole where something has been damaged or broken that lets liquid or gas flow in or out: a leak in the pipe | The plumber's coming to repair the leak.comepuncture especially British English a small hole in a tyre through which air escapes: My bike's got a puncture.getcrack a very narrow space between two things or two parts of something: The snake slid into a crack in the rock.slide | She was peering through the crack in the curtains.bepeercurtainslot a straight narrow hole that you put a particular type of object into: You have to put a coin in the slot before you dial the number.numb | A small disk fits into a slot in the camera.fitcrater a round hole in the ground made by an explosion or by a large object hitting it hard: a volcanic crater | The meteor left a crater over five miles wide.leavemil | the craters on the mooncrater
spaceverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesspacespacesspacedspacingspacespace2 (also space outspace outsspace outedspace outingspace out) verbVerb form1[transitive always + adverb/preposition]SPACE/GAP to arrange objects or events so that they have equal spaces or periods of time between them: They used three microphones spaced several yards apart.usemicrophonespaceyardTry to space out your classes and study in between.classbe evenly spaced (=with equal spaces)For security, use three evenly spaced bolts per post.spacebolt2[intransitive] informal to stop paying attention and just look in front of you without thinking, especially because you are bored or have taken drugs: I completely spaced out during the lecture.space → spaced out
verb
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: salver, from Late Latin salvare, from Latin salvus; → SAFE1 Verb form1from harm/danger [transitive]SAVE/RESCUE to make someone or something safe from danger, harm, or destruction → rescue:
Emergency aid could save millions threatened with starvation.canthreatena new treatment that could save his lifecanShe was determined to save her marriage.bedeterminethe campaign to save the rain forestsforestsave somebody/something from somethingHe saved the child from drowning.savedrown2money [intransitive and transitive] (also save up)SAVE MONEY to keep money in a bank so that you can use it later, especially when you gradually add more money over a period of time: He managed to save enough to buy a small house.manageSo far, I’ve saved about £500.savesave forI’m saving up for a new car.save → saver3not waste [transitive] (also save on something)WASTE STH to use less money, time, energy etc so that you do not waste any OPP waste: We’ll save a lot of time if we go by car.Everyone is being encouraged to save energy.bebeencourageways to save money on heating billswayheatbillenergy-saving/time-saving etcmoney-saving ideassaveidea4to use later [transitive]SAVE STH TO USE LATER to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future: We’ll save the rest of the food and have it later.latesave something for somethingI had a bottle of champagne which I’d been saving for a special occasion.havebesave5collect [transitive] (also save something ↔ up)SAVE STH TO USE LATER to keep all the objects of a particular kind that you can find, so that you can use them: I’m saving up vouchers to get a cheap air ticket to the States.savevoucherstate6help to avoid [transitive]AVOID to help someone by making it unnecessary for them to do something that they do not want to do: If you lent me £5, it would save me a trip to the bank.lendwillsave somebody doing somethingI’ll take the shopping home in the car to save you carrying it.shopcarrysave somebody the trouble/bother (of doing something)I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of coming to collect me.come7keep for somebody [transitive]KEEP/STORE to stop people from using something so that it is available for someone else: Will you save me a seat?save something for somebodyWe’ll save some dinner for you if you’re late.8computer [intransitive and transitive] to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: Don’t forget to save before you close the file.Did you save the changes that you made?dochangemake9sport [intransitive and transitive] to stop the other team from scoring in a game such as football: The goalkeeper just managed to save the shot.manageshoot10you saved my life spokenTHANK used to thank someone who has helped you out of a difficult situation or solved a problem for you: Thanks again for the loan – you really saved my life.thanksave11save sb’s skin/neck/bacon informalSAVE/RESCUE to help someone to escape from an extremely difficult or dangerous situation: He lied in court to save his own skin.lie12save the dayHELP to stop things from going badly and make a situation end successfully: A local businessman saved the day by donating £30,000 to the school.savedonate13save faceEMBARRASSED# to do something that will stop you from looking stupid or feeling embarrassed: A compromise must be found which will allow both sides in the dispute to save face.findside → face-saving14saving graceGOOD POINT OR CHARACTERISTIC the one good thing that makes someone or something acceptable: His sense of humour was his only saving grace.besave15somebody can’t do something to save his/her life informalCAN'T to be completely unable to do something: He couldn’t draw to save his life!16save your breath spokenCHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT# used to tell someone that it is not worth saying anything, because nothing they say will make any difference to the situation: I tried to explain, but she told me to save my breath.trytell17save somebody from themselvesHARM/BE BAD FOR# to prevent someone from doing something that they want to do but that you think is harmful18religion [intransitive and transitive] in the Christian church, to free someone from the power of evil and bring them into the Christian religion: Jesus came to save sinners.comesinnerTHESAURUSsave to gradually collect money by not spending all the money you have, especially when you regularly put some of it in a bank: She doesn’t earn much, but she still manages to save a few dollars each week.managedollar | We’re saving for a deposit to buy a house.saveset/put aside to regularly save part of the money you earn, especially over a long period of time: You should start setting aside part of your earnings as retirement savings.shallsetsavingscrimp and save to try to save money by spending less on the things you need and by saving what you can, especially when you do not earn very much: My parents scrimped and saved for years to send me to college.parentscrimpsaveyearsquirrel something away informal to keep something, especially money, in a safe place to be used later: I wanted to surprise her, so I squirreled away a couple of dollars a week to spend on a present.wantsquirreldollareconomize to spend less money by buying only the things that you really need, or by buying cheaper things: Weddings can be expensive, but you can economize by doing some things yourself.weddingdothing
savenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessavesavessavesave2 noun [countable]Word family an action in which a player in a game such as football prevents the other team from scoring: Martin made a brilliant save from Nichol’s shot.makeshootTHESAURUSActions when using a computerstart up/boot up to make a computer start working: I’m having problems starting up my computer.haveproblemstartlog on/in to start using a computer system by typing your name and password: He logged on and read his emails.logemailclick on something to press a button on a computer mouse to choose a program, file etc from the screen: When you click on the link, it sends you to the company’s website.sendinstall to add new software to a computer so that the software is ready to be used: All users should install anti-virus software.usershalldownload to move information, pictures, or music from the Internet onto your computer: You can download MP3 files.fileupload to move information, pictures, or music from your computer to a different computer across the Internet: Sites such as YouTube allow you to upload your own videos.sitevideoopen to make a file or program ready to use: Open a new file and type in the information.scroll up/down to move information on a computer screen up or down so that you can read it: Scroll down to read the questions and answers.questionanswerenter to type information into a computer: The program requires you to enter a password.requiredelete to remove information from a computer: I’ve deleted his email.delete | When you delete a file, it first gets moved to the recycle bin.getmovecut and paste to remove information from one place and put it in another place: Tutors are looking out for students who cut and paste their essays from the Internet.tutorbelookstudentessaysave to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: Make sure you save any work you do before you shut the computer down.close to stop having a file or program ready to use: To close the window, click on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.log off/out to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions: I get an error message when I log off.shut down to make a computer stop working: Employees should shut their computers down at the end of each day.employeeshallcomputerrestart/reboot to make a computer start working again: Wait a few minutes before rebooting your computer.minutereboot
saveprepositionCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplessavesavesave3 (also ˈsave forsave for) preposition formalDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: sauf, from sauf (adjective); → SAFE1 EXCEPTexcept:
She answered all the questions save one.answerquestionsave thatLittle is known about his early life, save that he had a brother.beknowhaveTHESAURUSexcept used when saying that a statement does not include a particular person or thing. At the beginning of a sentence, you must use except for, not just except, before a noun: The office is open every day except Sundays.be | Except for a man walking his dog, the park was empty.walkbe | Most of the critics liked the play, except for one critic on the 'Los Angeles Times'.criticliketime | Except for a few years in the early sixties and seventies, inflation has been a continuing feature of American life since World War II.yearhavebecontinue | The area looks very much like the state of Iowa, except that it is surrounded by beautiful snow-covered mountains.lookbesurroundcovermountain | Except in an emergency, these doors must remain closed.doorcloseapart from/aside from used when mentioning one or two things that do not fit the main thing that you are saying: Aside from one or two minor errors, this is an excellent piece of research.errorbe | The films were all made in Hollywood, apart from one, which was made in the UK.filmbemakebemake | The weather was not very good in the first week. Apart from that, it was a good holiday.bebeexcluding/not including used when saying that something, especially a total number or amount, does not include a particular thing or person. Excluding is more formal than not including: The software costs $49.95, not including tax.costinclude | Excluding students, the total number of unemployed rose from 2 million to 2.3 million.excludestudentnumbrisewith the exception of formal except for one particular person or thing: Denmark has more wind turbines than any other place in the world, with the exception of California.haveturbine | With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.bewomanbut used especially after words such as nothing, all, any, anyone, everything or everyone when saying that something is the only thing, or someone is the only person: There is nothing but trees, for mile after mile.betree | The garment covers everything but the eyes.covereye | All but a few of her family died of the disease.diesave formal used for mentioning the only person or thing which is not included in what you are saying: Every man she had ever loved, save her father, was now dead.havelovebe
adjective
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Late Latin
Origin: radicalis, from Latin radix ‘root’ 1change/differenceVERY a radical change or difference is very big and important OPP slight:
They are proposing radical changes to the way the company is run.beproposechangebea radical reform of the tax systemThere are radical differences between the two organizations.bedifferenceorganization2opinions radical ideas are very new and different, and are against what most people think or believe → conservative: He has put forward some very radical ideas.haveideaI was shocked by her radical views.beshockviewa radical approach to education3people someone who is radical has ideas that are very new and different, and against what most people think or believe: a radical left-wing politicianleavea radical feminist4good American English informalENJOY/LIKE DOING STH very good or enjoyable: That was one radical party last night!be—radicallyradically /-kli/ adverb: a radically different method of productiona radically new approach to the problemCOLLOCATIONSnounsa radical change If that offer is serious, it will mark a radical change in policy.bea radical transformation (=a complete change in appearance, especially when this is an improvement) The city has undergone a radical transformation.haveundergoradical measures (=extreme actions) Instead of retreating, he suggested even more radical measures.retreatsuggestmeasureradical reform (=big changes to a system or organization in order to improve it) He said the institution was in need of radical reform.saybea radical overhaul (=big changes in order to improve something) government plans for a radical overhaul of the health care systemplana radical difference There is a radical difference between this and other dieting methods.bedietmethoda radical departure (=something very different) The design of the building is a radical departure from tradition.buildbea radical rethink (=when you think about a plan or idea again in a very different way) The Conservative Party leader called for a radical rethink of economic policy.call
radicalnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Corpus examplesradicalradicalsradicalradical2 AC noun [countable]Word family someone who has new and different ideas, especially someone who wants complete social and political change → conservative: radicals on the extreme left wing of the partyradicalleave—radicalismradicalism noun [uncountable]THESAURUSright-wing adjective a right-wing person or group wants low taxes, a strong army and police force, and the individual to be free from government interference as much as possible: right-wing political partiesparty | Some of his supporters are very right-wing.supporterbe | right-wing policies on gun controlpolicyleft-wing adjective a left-wing person or group wants the government to make society more equal by increasing taxes for rich people, and taking control of important industries and services: a left-wing newspaperleave | His views are very left-wing.viewbeleavegreen adjective [usually before noun] supporting policies and principles which will protect the environment: green politicianspolitician | the Green Party | The government is under pressure to improve its green credentials (=to seem more like it wants to protect the environment).becredentialradical adjective supporting political ideas that will involve great change: radical politicianspolitician | a radical economic reform programmeliberal adjective supporting political ideas that will allow people to have greater freedom: They want the government to have a more liberal policy on drugs.drugmoderate adjective having political opinions which are not extreme: People generally become more moderate as they get older.old | The bill is supported by moderate Republicans.besupportrepublicanextreme adjective having political opinions which are considered to be very unreasonable by many people: His views on immigration are very extreme.viewbe | an extreme right-wing organization
noun [countable]
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Latin tabula ‘board, list’
1furniture a piece of furniture with a flat top supported by legs: The food was served on long tables.beservetable → coffee table, dressing table2restaurant a table for people to eat at in a restaurant : I've booked a table for two.book3sport/game snooker/billiard/ping-pong etc table a special table for playing a particular indoor sport or game on4list a list of numbers, facts, or information arranged in rows across and down a pagetable ofa table of resultsresultthe table of contentscontent5on the table an offer, idea etc that is on the table has been officially suggested and someone is considering it: The offer on the table is a 10% wage increase.be6turn the tables (on somebody)OPPOSITE/REVERSEBEAT/DEFEAT to change a situation completely, so that someone loses an advantage and you gain one: The tables were turned in the second half, when Leeds United scored from the penalty spot.tablebeturnunitescore7under the table informalILLEGAL money that is paid under the table is paid secretly and illegally: Payments were made under the table to local officials.paymentbemakeofficial8maths times table a list that young children learn, in which all the numbers between 1 and 12 are multiplied by each other SYN multiplication tablethree/four etc times tableHe’s 12 years old and still doesn’t know his three times table.yeartime9groupGROUP OF PEOPLE the group of people sitting around a table: His stories kept the whole table amused.storykeepamuseCOLLOCATIONSverbsset/lay the table (=put knives, forks etc on a table before a meal) The table was set for fourteen.beclear the table (=take plates etc off) Do you want me to clear the table?sit at a table He was sitting at a corner table.besitsit around a table We sat around the table and talked.sittalkget up from/leave the table She stood up from her chair and left the table.standleavebook/reserve a table (=in a restaurant) I've booked a table for four at a local restaurant.bookNOUN + tabledinner/breakfast table Will you clear the breakfast table?bedside/kitchen/dining-room table They were chatting around the kitchen table.bechat
tableverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestabletablestabledtablingtabletable2 verb [transitive]Verb form1table a proposal/question/motion etc British EnglishSUGGEST to formally present a proposal etc for other people to discuss: Dr Clark tabled a motion for debate at next month’s committee meeting.tablemeet2table a bill/measure/proposal etc American EnglishPOSTPONE/DO LATER to leave a bill etc to be discussed or dealt with in the future
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: dividere, from videre ‘to separate’ Verb form1separate [intransitive and transitive] if something divides, or if you divide it, it separates into two or more partsdivide something into something
Scientists traditionally divide the oceans into zones.scientistoceanzoneThe book is divided into six sections.bedividesectiondivide intoHere, the river divides into three channels.dividechannel2keep separate (also divide off) [transitive]SEPARATE to keep two areas separate from each other: The Wall used to divide East and West Berlin.usedivide something from somethingOnly a thin curtain divided her cabin from his.divide3share (also divide up) [transitive]SHARE to separate something into parts and share them between peopledivide something between/among somebody/somethingThe money will be divided equally among the charities.dividecharity4spend time/energy [transitive] if you divide your time, energy etc between different activities or places, you spend part of your time doing each activity or in each placedivide something between something/somebodyShe divides her time between New York and Paris.divide5mathematics a)[transitive] to calculate how many times one number contains a smaller number → multiplydivide something by somethingIf you divide 21 by 3, you get 7.‘What’s six divided by three?’ ‘Two’.divide b)[intransitive] to be contained exactly in a number one or more timesdivide into8 divides into 64.divide6disagree [transitive] to make people disagree so that they form groups with different opinions: The issue of cloning has sharply divided voters.clonehavedividevoter7divide and rule/conquer to defeat or control people by making them argue with each other instead of opposing you8divided loyalties a feeling you have when two people you like have argued and you are not sure which person you should support: Divorce is an agony of divided loyalties for children.bedivideloyaltychild—divideddivided adjective: a deeply divided societydivideThe committee was divided over the proposal.bedivide
dividenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdividedividesdividedivide2 noun [countable usually singular]Word family1SEPARATEa strong difference between the beliefs or way of life of groups of people, that may make them hate each other: The North/South divide is characteristic of Britain.becultural/political/racial etc dividepeople on both sides of the political divideside2American English a line of high ground between two river systems SYN watershed
noun [uncountable]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of progredi ‘to go forward’ 1PROGRESSthe process of getting better at doing something, or getting closer to finishing or achieving somethingprogress of
The police are disappointed by the slow progress of the investigation.bedisappointprogress inThere has been significant progress in controlling heart disease.havebecontrolprogress towardsWe are making steady progress towards a peaceful settlement.bemakeprogress onLittle progress has been made on human rights issues.havebemakerightissue2slow or steady movement somewhere: We made good progress despite the snow.makeprogress throughThey watched the ship’s slow progress through the heavy seas.watchsea3PROGRESSchange which is thought to lead to a better society, because of developments in science or fairer methods of social organization: Mankind is destroying the planet, all in the name of progress (=because people want progress).bedestroyUnder communism, nothing was allowed to get in the way of the great march of progress.beallow4in progress formalHAPPEN happening now, and not yet finished: A lecture was in progress in the main hall.bework/research in progressThey looked in periodically to check the work in progress.lookGrammarProgress is an uncountable noun. Do not say 'a progress’ or 'progresses’: She is making good progress (NOT a good progress).bemakeCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake progress The country has made significant economic progress.havemakehinder sb’s progress (=make it slower) Language problems might hinder a child’s progress at school.problemachieve progress The talks ended with no real progress having been achieved.talkendhavebeachievecheck (on) sb’s progress A social worker calls regularly to check on the children’s progress.callchildfollow/monitor/chart sb’s progress (=keep checking it) Throughout the night, doctors charted his progress.doctorchartassess/evaluate/review sb’s progress We appraise the work and evaluate each student’s individual progress.adjectivesslow The task remains difficult and progress has been slow.remainhavebesteady Steady progress has been made towards our objectives.havebemakeobjectivegood He is out of hospital and making good progress.bemakerapid The investigation is making rapid progress.bemakesignificant/real progress Significant progress has been made in reducing nuclear weapons.havebemakereduceweapongreat progress Scientists have made great progress in the last four years.scientistmakeyearsubstantial/considerable progress 2007 was a year of substantial progress for the company.besatisfactory progress The two students who fell behind are now making satisfactory progress.studentfallbemakeTHESAURUSprogress noun [uncountable] /ˈprəʊɡres $ ˈprɑː-/ the process of getting better at doing something, or getting closer to finishing or achieving something: a test of the students' progress.student | We have made good progress towards meeting our objectives.makemeetobjectiveadvance noun [countable usually plural] /ədˈvɑːns $ ədˈvæns/ a discovery, invention, or change that brings progress: the technological advances of the twentieth centuryadvance | advances in scientific knowledgeadvance | In recent years there have been enormous economic and social advances.yearbeadvancebreakthrough noun [countable] /ˈbreɪkθruː/ an important discovery or achievement that makes progress possible, especially one that happens suddenly after a long period of trying: Scientists have described the discovery as a major breakthrough.scientistdescribe | The breakthrough in the investigation came when police found a stolen car.comefindstealmake headway to make progress towards achieving something – used especially when it is difficult to make progress: After several months of discussion, the committee had made little headway.monthhavemakeno progressstalemate/deadlock /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/ [uncountable and countable] a situation in which no further progress can be made because two groups or organizations cannot find a way to end a disagreement: The negotiations ended in deadlock.negotiationend | At that point the strike appeared to have reached a stalemate.appearreach | the year-long political deadlock between the two partiespartyimpasse /æmˈpɑːs $ ˈɪmpæs/ [singular] formal a situation in which progress has stopped completely, especially because people cannot agree on what to do next: The continuing impasse over the budget.continue | The situation seemed to have reached an impasse.seemreachgrind to a halt to slowly stop making any progress: The economy seems to be grinding to a halt.seemgrind | It was clear that the peace talks had ground to a halt.betalkhavegrind
progressverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprogressprogressesprogressedprogressingprogresspro‧gress2 /prəˈɡres/ verbWord familyVerb form1PROGRESS[intransitive] to improve, develop, or achieve things so that you are then at a more advanced stage OPP regress: I asked the nurse how my son was progressing.askbeprogressprogress toShe started with a cleaning job, and progressed to running the company.startcleanprogressrunprogress towardsWe must progress towards full integration of Catholic and Protestant pupils in Ireland.pupilprogress beyondLast year the team didn’t progress beyond the opening round.open2[intransitive and transitive] if an activity such as work or a project progresses, or you progress it, it continues: Work on the ship progressed quickly.progressWe’re hoping to progress the Lane project more quickly next week.hope3[intransitive] if time or an event progresses, time passes: As the meeting progressed, Nina grew more and more bored.meetprogressgrowboreTime is progressing, so I’ll be brief.beprogress4[intransitive]PROGRESS to move forward: Our taxi seemed to be progressing very slowly.seemprogress
verb
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: préparer, from Latin praeparare, from parare ‘to get, prepare’ Verb form
1make something [transitive] a)to make a meal or a substance: Prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking.becookWhen we got home, Stephano was busy preparing dinner.getbeprepare b)to write a document, make a programme etc: Health and safety officers will investigate the site and prepare a report.officerGreen set himself the task of preparing a map of this remote area.prepareRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone makes a meal rather than prepares it:Who’s making dinner tonight?makeI’ll make the gravy.2make plans/arrangements [intransitive and transitive]PREPARE to make plans or arrangements for something that will happen in the future SYN get readyprepare forThe 45-year-old explorer has been preparing for his latest expedition to the Arctic.havebepreparelateprepare to do somethingHer parents were busy preparing to go on holiday.parentbeprepareThe prosecution wanted more time to prepare their case.wantRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone gets ready for something rather than prepares for it:We’re getting ready to move next week.get3make something readyPREPARE [transitive] to make something ready to be used: Prepare the soil, then plant the seedlings eight inches apart.seedlinginchprepare something for somebody/somethingCoulthard’s team were up all night preparing the car for the race.beprepare4make yourself ready [transitive]PREPARE to make yourself mentally or physically ready for something that you expect to happen soonprepare yourself (for something)The letter arrived, and we prepared ourselves for bad news.arriveprepareCan you just give me a couple more moments to prepare myself?momentprepare yourself for a race/fight etcThe Chicago Bears are busy preparing themselves for the big game.bearbeprepareprepare to do somethingBuy the album, and prepare to be amazed.amaze5make somebody ready [transitive]PREPARE to provide someone with the training, skills, experience etc that they will need to do a job or to deal with a situationprepare somebody for somethinga course that prepares students for English examinationspreparestudentexaminationSchools should do more to prepare children for the world of work.schoolshallchildWhat does a coach do to prepare his team for the Superbowl?do6prepare the way/ground for somebody/somethingPREPARE to make it possible for something to be achieved, or for someone to succeed in doing something: Curie’s research prepared the way for the work of modern nuclear scientists.preparescientistTHESAURUSto prepare for an eventprepare to make plans or arrangements for something that will happen in the future so that you will be ready when it happens: He only had a few hours to prepare for the interview.havehour | The family are preparing to move to Queensland.beprepareget ready to prepare for something. Get ready is less formal than prepare and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: Smith has been busy getting ready for the race.havebeget | The army was getting ready to attack.begetmake preparations to prepare for an event that needs a lot of planning: The couple are making preparations for their wedding next year.bemakepreparationgear up to prepare for an important event – used about companies, organizations, cities etc: Stores are gearing up for the busy Christmas shopping period.storebegearshop | The city is gearing up for the Olympics.begearto prepare something so it can be usedprepare to make something ready to be used: Have you prepared your speech?prepare | Groundsmen were preparing the pitch for tomorrow’s game.groundsmanbeprepareget something ready to prepare something. Get something ready is less formal than prepare and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: They were getting the ship ready to sail.begetset (something) up to prepare equipment so that it is ready to be used: It will take a few minutes to set the camera up.minute | The band was setting up on the stage.beset
nounWord family1[countable]PURPOSE something you hope to achieve by doing somethingaim ofThe aim of the research is to find new food sources.besourceThe main aim of the course is to improve your writing.bewritewith the aim of doing somethinga campaign with the aim of helping victims of crimehelpvictimTeamwork is required in order to achieve these aims.berequireaima policy which sets out the school’s aims and objectivessetaimobjective2take aimSHOOT to point a gun or weapon at someone or something you want to shoottake aim atAlan took aim at the target.take3take aim at somebody/something American English to criticize someone or something: Critics took aim at the President.critictake4SHOOT[uncountable] someone’s ability to hit what they are aiming at when they throw or shoot something: Val’s aim was very good.beCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesthe main/primary/principal aim The country’s main aim was to slow inflation.bethe ultimate/eventual/long-term aim (=that you hope to achieve in the end) The ultimate aim is to replace gasoline with non-polluting energy sources.bepollutesourcethe immediate/initial/short-term aim (=that you hope to achieve quickly) The immediate aim is to develop the travel business.bethe overall/general/broad aim (=that concerns the main aim rather than all the details) The overall aim of the project is to encourage young people to stay in higher education.behigh | Guided by the general aim of the project, we aimed to reach a number of key objectives.guideaimnumbobjectivea specific aim (=an exact aim) What are the specific aims of the course?beaimthe underlying aim (=a basic aim, that people sometimes do not notice) The games all have an underlying aim: survival.gameunderliea political aim We utterly condemn any acts of violence in pursuit of political aims.actaima strategic aim (=that is part of a military, political, or business plan) The broader strategic aims were to safeguard the Dutch East Indies against attack.broadaimbeindiean educational aim the educational aims of the schoolaimsb’s declared/stated aim (=an aim that somebody has stated clearly) The Department’s declared aim is targeting benefits where they are most needed.declarebetargetbenefitbeneeda common aim (=an aim that people, countries etc share) We know the value of working closely together to pursue our common aims.workaimverbshave an aim His trip to Milan, his third in two weeks, had a precise aim.weekhaveachieve/fulfil your aim The Internet bank achieved its aim of attracting 50,000 customers last year.achieveattractcustomer | Once she had decided to go into publishing, she set out to fulfil her aim.havedecidepublishpursue your aims (=try to achieve them over a long period of time) We worked closely together to pursue our common aims.workaimfurther your aims (=help them to progress or be successful) The group is prepared to use violence to further its political aims.bepreparefaraimset out the aims of something Is there a set of guidelines setting out the aims of study?beguidelinesetaimphrasesa set of aims The organization has a set of aims which are listed on its website.haveaimbelistaims and objectives (=the things you hope to achieve) These aims and objectives are set out in chapters two and three.aimobjectivebechapterTHESAURUSaim something you hope to achieve by doing something: The main aim of the plan was to provide employment for local people.begoal something important that you hope to achieve in the future, even though it may take a long time: The country can still achieve its goal of reducing poverty by a third.reducetarget a particular amount or total that you want to achieve: The company is on track to meet its target of increasing profits by 10%.beincreaseprofitobjective the specific thing that you are trying to achieve – used especially about things that have been officially discussed and agreed upon in business, politics etc: Their main objective is to halt the flow of drugs.bedrug | We met to set the business objectives for the coming year.meetobjectivecomeambition something that you very much want to achieve in your future career: Her ambition was to go to law school and become an attorney.be | Earlier this year, he achieved his ambition of competing in the Olympic Games.earlyachievecompetegame
aimverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaimaimsaimedaimingaimaim2 S2 W2 verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: aesmer, from Latin aestimare; → ESTIMATE2 Verb form1[intransitive]PURPOSE to try or intend to achieve somethingaim to do something
We aim to finish by Friday.(be) aimed at doing somethingan initiative aimed at reducing road accidentsaimreduceaccidentaim forWe’re aiming for a big improvement.aim2aim something at somebodySUITABLE to say or do something that is intended for a particular person or group of people: a program that’s aimed at teenagersaimteenagerThe criticism wasn’t aimed at you.aim3
[intransitive and transitive]SHOOT to choose the place, person etc that you want to hit or reach and point a weapon or another object towards them: Denver aimed his gun but did not shoot.aimdoaim at/forThe pilot was aiming for the runway but came down in a nearby field.beaimcome
nounWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: peine, from Latin poena, from Greek poine ‘payment, punishment’ 1[uncountable and countable]PAIN the feeling you have when part of your body hurts:
The pain is getting worse.begetillpain inShe felt a sharp pain in her leg.feelGreg was in a lot of pain.be → growing pains(2)2[uncountable and countable]SUFFER the feeling of unhappiness you have when you are sad, upset etc: the pain and grief of bereavementcause (somebody) pain/inflict pain on somebodyShe hated to say the words, for fear of causing pain.hatewordcause3be a pain (in the neck) (also be a pain in the ass/arse/backside/butt not polite) spokenDIFFICULT to be very annoying: There were times when Joe could be a real pain in the neck.betimecanIt’s a pain, having to go upstairs to make the coffee every time.have4take/go to (great) pains to do something (also take pains with/over something)CAREFUL to make a special effort to do something: He’s taken great pains to improve his image.takepain5be at pains to do somethingCAREFUL to be especially careful to make sure people understand what you are saying or what you plan to do: Roy was at pains to point out that English was the only exam he’d ever failed.bepainbefail6for your painsDO STH/TAKE ACTION as a reward for something you worked to achieve – used especially when this is disappointing: I fetched the file, and all I got for my pains was a dirty look from Simon.fetchgetpainbe7no pain, no gain used to say that you can only achieve something, for example become fitter, by suffering or working hard8on/under pain of deathKILL at the risk of being killed as punishment, if you do not obey: Communist activity was prohibited on pain of death.beprohibitCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesbad Later that evening, the pain was really bad.lateevenbeterrible/awful I woke up with a terrible pain in my side.wakesevere/intense Ever since the accident, Mike’s suffered from severe back pain.sufferexcruciating (=very severe) The pain in my eye was excruciating.bea sharp pain (=short but severe) She felt a sharp pain in the back of her throat.feela slight pain (=not severe) I’ve got a slight pain in my side.geta dull pain (=a slight but continuous pain) There was a dull pain in his lower jaw.belowa nagging pain (=felt all the time) Rob felt fine, apart from a nagging pain in his left wrist.feelnagleavechronic pain (=pain that you suffer from for long periods of time) Many of the elderly patients suffer chronic pain.patienta shooting pain (=a severe pain that goes from one part of your body to another) The shooting pains in her arms and legs slowly began to die away.shootpainarmlegbegina searing pain (=very severe, as if you have been burnt) His elbow struck the side of the table, sending a searing pain through his arm.strikesendseara stabbing pain (=sharp and sudden) Marcus heard a shot and felt a stabbing pain at the back of his ankle.hearshootfeelstaba throbbing pain (=a pain that gets stronger and then weaker, in a steady continuous beat) I’ve still got this throbbing pain in my leg.getthrobback/chest/stomach etc pain Many people suffer from back pain.abdominal pain Several of the hotel’s guests had persistent abdominal pain and diarrhoea.guesthavephysical pain He couldn’t stand physical pain.labour pains British English, labor pains American English (=felt by a woman at the time she is having a baby) Becky was at work when labour pains began.bepainbeginverbshave a pain I’ve got a terrible pain in my stomach.getfeel pain The dentist told me that I wouldn’t feel any pain.tellbe in pain Despite being in great pain, he managed to call for help.bemanagesuffer (from) pain She suffers from chronic pain in her legs.sufferleginflict pain The guards enjoyed inflicting pain on them.guardenjoyinflictrelieve/ease pain (also alleviate pain formal) (=make it less severe) Exercise can help to relieve lower back pain.lowexperience pain formal Animals caught in the trap experience great pain before they die.animalcatchcomplain of pain (=say that you have a pain in a part of your body) After we finished our run, Tom complained of pains in his chest.finishcomplainpainthe pain gets worse If the pain gets any worse, see your doctor.getillthe pain goes away (also the pain subsides formal) (=becomes less severe) He lay still until the pain had subsided to a dull ache.liehavesubsidethe pain comes and goes (=keeps starting and stopping) The pain comes and goes but it’s never too severe.comegopain + NOUNpain relief (=a drug or treatment that makes pain less severe) These drugs offer effective pain relief for the very sick.drugsb’s pain threshold (=their ability to bear pain) Everyone has a different pain threshold.havephrasesaches and pains Everyone has a few aches and pains when they get older.haveachepainoldCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'big pain'. Say terrible pain or severe pain.THESAURUSpain noun [uncountable and countable] the feeling when part of your body hurts: A broken leg can cause a lot of pain.break | He felt a sharp pain in his chest.feelache noun [uncountable and countable] a continuous pain, especially one that is not very bad. Most commonly used in compounds such as headache, toothache, and backache: I felt an ache in my back after decorating all day.feeldecorate | Driving gives me a headache.drivegive | I’ve got stomach ache.get | Do you have earache?twinge noun [countable] a sudden slight pain that comes and then disappears quickly: When I bent down I felt a twinge in my back.bendfeeldiscomfort noun [uncountable] formal an uncomfortable feeling in your body, or a slight pain: The procedure takes five minutes and only causes slight discomfort.takeminutecauseagony noun [uncountable] a feeling of great pain, or a situation in which you feel a lot of pain: the agony of childbirth | I was in agony by the time I got to the hospital.beget | It was agony (=very painful)getting up out of bed.begetsuffering noun [uncountable] continuous physical or mental pain, which makes someone very unhappy: I just wanted someone to put an end to my suffering.wantsuffer | the suffering of the earthquake victimssuffervictim
painverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplespainpainspainedpainingpainpain2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form it pains somebody to do something formalUPSET used to say that it is very difficult and upsetting for someone to have to do something
noun [countable]
Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Old Provençal guida 1for deciding/judgingINSTRUCTIONS something that provides information and helps you to form an opinion or make a decision:
The polls are not a reliable guide of how people will vote.pollbeThe figures are only a rough guide.figurebe2person a)someone whose job is to take tourists to a place and show them around: a tour guidean experienced mountain guideexperience b)ADVISEsomeone who advises you and influences the way you live: my spiritual guide3instructions a)a book or piece of writing that provides information on a particular subject or explains how to do somethingguide toa guide to North American birdsbirdFollow our step-by-step guide.Details of how to use the various programs are in the user guide.detailprogrambe b)a guidebook4girl British English a)the Guides the Guides Association, which teaches girls practical skills → scout b)a member of the Guides Association
guideverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesguideguidesguidedguidingguideguide2 W3 verb [transitive]Verb form1TAKE/BRINGto take someone to a place SYN leadguide somebody along/through etcHe guided us through the narrow streets to the central mosque.guidestreet2TAKE/BRINGto help someone or something to move in a particular directionguide somebody/something into/towards etcHe guided her firmly towards the sofa.guideSearchlights were used to guide the ship into the harbour.searchlightbeuse3ADVISEto influence someone’s behaviour or ideas: Teenagers need adults to guide them.teenageradult4TEACHto show someone the right way to do something, especially something difficult or complicatedguide somebody through somethingGuide your students through the program one section at a time.student
adverb, preposition1ABOVEin a higher position than something else SYN over OPP below: Our office is above the hairdresser’s.beHe had a bruise just above his left eye.haveleaveI heard a strange noise coming from the room above.hearcomeThe great bird hovered high above our heads.hoverhead2MORE THAN A NUMBER OR AMOUNTmore than a particular number, amount, or level OPP below: 50 metres above sea levelmetreabove freezing/zero (=higher than the temperature at which water freezes)Tonight, temperatures should be just above freezing.temperatureshallfreezeand/or abovefree medical care for pensioners aged 65 and abovepensioneragePrize winners must have gained marks of 80% or above.winnergainmarkThe salaries we offer are well above (=much higher than) average.salarybe3MORE THAN STH OR SB ELSEto a greater degree than something else: Many employers value personality above experience or qualifications.employerqualificationabove all (else) (=used to say that something is more important than anything else)Max is hard-working, cheerful, and above all honest.beworkmedals awarded for bravery above and beyond the call of duty (=greater than it is your duty to show)medalaward4LOUD/NOISYlouder or clearer than other sounds: You can always hear her voice above everybody else’s.5POSITION/RANKhigher in rank, power, or importance OPP below: He never rose above the rank of corporal.riseand/or aboveofficers of the rank of Major and aboveofficerfrom above (=from people in higher authority)We just obey orders from above.order6formal before, in the same piece of writing OPP below: As mentioned above, there is a service charge.mentionbeWrite to the address above for further information.far7not be above (doing) something to not be too good or honest to do something: Eileen’s not above flirting with the boss when it suits her.flirtsuit8be above suspicion/reproach/criticism etcGOOD/MORAL to be so good that no one can doubt or criticize you: Even the king’s closest advisers were not above suspicion.closeadviserbe9get above yourselfPROUD to think you are better or more important than you really are → over and above at over1(14), → be above the law at law(13)
aboveadjectiveCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaboveaboveabove2 W3 adjective a)[only before noun] used in a piece of writing to refer to something mentioned in an earlier part of the same piece of writing: For the above reasons, the management has no choice but to close the factory.reasonhave b)the above formal something mentioned before in the same piece of writing: If none of the above applies to you, you may be able to reclaim tax.apply
adjective (comparative drier, superlative driest)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: dryge 1not wetDRY without water or liquid inside or on the surface OPP wet:
I need to change into some dry clothes.clotheMake sure that the surface is clean and dry before you start to paint.beYou should store disks in a cool, dry place.shalldiskshake/rub/wipe etc something dryJean rubbed her hair dry.rubThe path is dry as a bone (=very dry).be → bone dry2weather having very little rain or moisture OPP wet → arid: The weather was hot and dry.beEastern areas should stay dry tomorrow.areashallthe dry seasonThese plants do not grow well in dry conditions (=when there is not much rain).plantconditiona prolonged dry spell (=period)prolong3dry mouth/skin/lips/hair etcDRY without enough of the liquid or oil that is normally in your mouth, skin etc → parched: His heart was pounding and his mouth was dry.bepoundbeMary has dry, sensitive skin.havea shampoo for dry hairShe licked her dry lips.licklip4run/go dryDRY if a lake, river etc runs dry, all the water gradually disappears, especially because there has been no rain: The river ran dry last summer.run5humourJOKE someone with a dry sense of humour says funny and clever things while seeming to be serious: He had a delightfully dry sense of humour.have6boringBORING boring, very serious, and without humour: In schools, science is often presented in a dry and uninteresting manner.schoolbepresenta dry debate on policiespolicy7dry cough a cough which does not produce any phlegm8dry wine/sherry etc wine etc that is not sweet: a glass of dry white wine9without alcohol not drinking alcohol, or not allowing any alcohol to be sold: Paula had been dry for a year before she started drinking again.havebestartdrinkKuwait’s a dry country.10voiceEMOTIONAL showing no emotion when you speak: ‘Good evening gentlemen,’ he said, in a dry voice.evengentlemansay11dry bread/toast bread etc eaten on its own without anything such as butter or jam spread on it12thirsty informal thirsty13not a dry eye in the houseCRY used to say that everyone was crying because something was very sad – often used humorously—drynessdrynessesdryness noun [uncountable] → drip-dry, dry rot, → home and dry at home2(6), → leave somebody high and dry at high2(5), → drylyCOLLOCATIONSnounsdry grass There had been no rain and the grass was very dry.havebebedry clothes I had no dry clothes to change into.haveclothedry land (=not the sea) It was good to get off the ship onto dry land again.bedry ingredients (=the things in a recipe that are not liquid) Add the eggs and milk to the dry ingredients.eggingredientverbskeep dry We managed to keep dry inside an old farm building.managebuildget dry (=become dry) Come inside and get dry.shake/rub/wipe etc something dry He wiped his hands dry with a handkerchief.wipehandtowel something dry (=use a towel to dry something) Towel your hair dry before using a hairdryer.usephrasesdry as a bone/bone dry (=completely dry) These plants need some water – they’re dry as a bone.plantTHESAURUSdry having very little moisture, or no longer wet: How do plants survive in hot dry conditions?plantcondition | My mouth feels dry.feel | The clothes should be dry.clotheshall | The ground was bone dry (=completely dry).grindbeparched completely dry – used about land, or about someone’s lips, throat, skin etc: The earth was so parched that there were huge cracks in it.beparchbecrack | parched lipsparchliparid extremely dry because of lack or rain and therefore difficult for growing crops: the arid landscape of the Danakil desert | an arid mountain region
dryverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdrydriesdrieddryingdrydry2 S2 W3 verb (past tense and past participle dried, present participle drying, third person singular dries) [intransitive and transitive]
Verb form1DRYto make something dry, or to become dry: Mrs Brown hung the washing on the line to dry.hangwashHe was drying his hair with a towel.bedryMary dried her hands.dryhandLeave the first coat of paint to dry before adding another.addShe stood up and dried her eyes (=wiped away her tears).standdryeyedry yourselfHe quickly dried himself on the thin towel.dry2(also dry up British English) to rub plates, dishes etc dry with a cloth after they have been washed: You wash and I’ll dry.Shall I dry up these glasses?glass → cut and dried, drieddry off phrasal verb DRYto become dry or to make something dry, especially on the surface: We swam in the sea, then stretched out on the sand to dry off.swimstretchdry something ↔ offHe dried the camera off, hoping it would still work.dryhopewilldry out phrasal verb1DRYto become completely dry or to make something completely dry, especially after it has been very wet: In summer, water the plants regularly and never let the soil dry out.plantdry something ↔ outThe kitchen was flooded and it took ages to dry it out.befloodtakeage2dry (somebody) out to stop drinking alcohol after you have become an alcoholic, or to make someone do this: He’s been drying out at a private clinic.bedryThe hospital dried Michael out and sent him home.drysenddry up phrasal verb1come to an endFINISH/COME TO AN END if a supply of something dries up, it comes to an end and no more is available: Foreign investment may dry up.The work soon dried up.dry2river/lake etcDRY if something such as a river dries up, the water in it disappears: Across central and west Texas, waterholes and wells have dried up.waterholewelldrydry something ↔ upTaking too much water for household use is drying up the river.takebedry3stop talkingFORGET if someone dries up, they stop talking: ‘It was -’ She dried up again.bedryEveryone became embarrassed and conversation dried up.becomeembarrassdry4plates/dishes etc British English to rub plates, dishes etc dry with a cloth after they have been washeddry something ↔ upI’ll just dry up these mugs and we can have a coffee.mug
verb (past tense and past participle admitted, present participle admitting)
Date: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: admittere, from ad- ‘to’ + mittere ‘to send’ Verb form1accept truthADMIT [intransitive and transitive] to agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right:
‘Okay, so maybe I was a little bit scared,’ Jenny admitted.bebitescareadmitadmit (that)You may not like her, but you have to admit that she’s good at her job.admit to somebody (that)Paul admitted to me that he sometimes feels jealous of my friendship with Stanley.admitfeelI must admit, I didn’t actually do anything to help her.Admit it! I’m right, aren’t I?admit (to) doing somethingDana admitted feeling hurt by what I had said.admitfeelhavesayfreely/openly/frankly etc admit (=admit without being ashamed)Phillips openly admits to having an alcohol problem.admithave2accept blameADMIT [intransitive and transitive] to say that you have done something wrong, especially something criminal SYN confess OPP denyadmit doing somethingGreene admitted causing death by reckless driving.admitcausedriveadmit to (doing) somethingA quarter of all workers admit to taking time off when they are not ill.workertakebeAfter questioning, he admitted to the murder.questionadmitNo organization has admitted responsibility for the bombing.haveadmitbomb3allow to enterENTER [transitive] to allow someone to enter a public place to watch a game, performance etc → admittance, admissionadmit somebody to/into somethingOnly ticket-holders will be admitted into the stadium.holderadmitRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say let someone in rather than admit someone:They won’t let you in without a ticket.win4allow to joinJOIN AN ORGANIZATION [transitive] to allow someone to join an organization, club etcadmit somebody to/into somethingDrake was admitted into the club in 1997.beadmit5hospital [transitive] if people at a hospital admit someone, that person is taken in to be given treatment, tests, or care: What time was she admitted?beadmitbe admitted to hospital British English, be admitted to the hospital American English6admit defeatSTOP DOING STH to stop trying to do something because you realize you cannot succeed: For Haskill, selling the restaurant would be admitting defeat.sellwilladmit7admit evidence to allow a particular piece of evidence to be used in a court of law: Courts can refuse to admit evidence obtained illegally by police.courtobtainCOLLOCATIONSverbsrefuse to admit something He refused to admit that it was his fault.refusebebe forced to admit something The government was forced to admit that the policy had never really worked.beforcehaveworksomebody has to admit something In the end, he had to admit I was right.havebeadverbsfreely/readily/openly admit something (=admit without being ashamed) I freely admit I’m hopeless at maths.mathgrudgingly/reluctantly admit something (=admit something when you do not want to) He grudgingly admitted that I was a better swimmer than him.admitbewellphrasesbe willing/prepared/happy/ready to admit something She was willing to admit that she’d made a mistake.bewillmakebe ashamed/loath to admit something He was ashamed to admit that he had lied to her.behavelieI must admit something (=used when saying that you admit that something is true) I must admit I hate camping.campI hate to admit it but … I hate to admit it but it looks like we’ve failed.lookfailbe the first to admit something I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it!I don’t mind admitting something I’m scared and I don’t mind admitting it.scareadmitTHESAURUSadmit something is trueadmit to agree unwillingly that something is true: He admitted that the company was having financial difficulties.admitbehavedifficulty | I must admit I was disappointed by their reaction.bedisappointconcede formal to admit something in a discussion or argument: ‘You may be right,’ Bridget conceded.concede | It was a decision which he now concedes was incorrect.beconcedebeacknowledge /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ formal to say that something is true or that a situation exists: The report acknowledges that research on animals is not always a reliable guide when it comes to humans.acknowledgeanimalbecomehuman | They do not want to acknowledge the fact that things have changed.thingchangeconfess to admit something that you feel embarrassed or ashamed about: Bradley confessed that he struggled to finish the race.confessstruggle | I must confess I don’t like his wife at all.Granted/I grant you formal spoken used when admitting that something is true, although you do not think it makes much difference to the main point. Granted is usually used at the beginning of a sentence, or on its own: She has a lot of experience, I grant you, but she’s not good at managing people.havemanage | Granted he did play well in the last game, but generally his form hasn't had been very good recently.grantdohavebeadmit you have done something wrongadmit to say that you have done something wrong, especially something criminal: He admitted charges of theft and false accounting.admitchargeaccount | Bennett admitted killing his wife.admitkillconfess to tell the police or someone in authority that you have done something bad, especially when they have persuaded you to do this: He finally confessed that he had stolen the money.confesshavesteal | They told him that if he confessed he would get a lighter sentence.tellconfesswilllightown up to admit that you have done something wrong, usually something that is not very serious. Own up is more informal than admit or confess: He owned up to the mistake straight away.ownfess up informal to admit that you have done something wrong that is not very serious: Come on, fess up! Where were you last night?become clean informal to finally admit something bad that you have been trying to hide: They want the government to come clean on where all the money has gone.havegoadmit of something phrasal verb formal GOOD ENOUGHif a situation admits of a particular explanation, that explanation can be accepted as possible: The facts admit of no other explanation.fact
noun (plural injuries)Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: injuria, from jus ‘right, law’ 1[uncountable and countable]INJURE a wound or damage to part of your body caused by an accident or attack:
She was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.betakeinjuryinjury toThe driver of the truck suffered injuries to his legs and arms.sufferinjurylegarmBeckham has missed several games through injury (=because of injury).havemissgameHe’s a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims.specializeclaim2[uncountable] law damage to someone’s reputation, career, or feelingsinjury toHe says that the allegations caused serious injury to his reputation.sayallegationcause → add insult to injury at add(8)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + injuryserious The injury wasn’t serious.terrible (=very bad) Some of the victims suffered terrible injuries.victimsufferinjuryfatal (=that kills someone) Fortunately, his injuries weren’t fatal.injuryminor A man was treated in hospital for minor injuries.betreatinjurypermanent The brain can be affected by permanent injury after a serious accident.affecta nasty injury (=quite bad) Fairground rides can cause some nasty injuries.rideinjurya head/leg/shoulder etc injury He suffered a shoulder injury while playing rugby.sufferplaya spinal injury (=an injury to the spine) The injured boy is being treated for a spinal injury.injurebebetreata facial injury (=an injury to the face) I was offered treatment for my facial injuries.beofferinjurya sports injury (=one you get while doing sport) She has vast knowledge of treating sports injuries.havetreatsportinjuryan industrial injury (=one that happens at work) He was the victim of an industrial injury.beinternal injuries (=injuries inside your body) He was coughing blood, a sign that he had internal injuries.becoughhaveinjurymultiple injuries (=large number of injuries at the same time) She had multiple injuries and a fractured skull.haveinjuryfractureverbshave an injury Tom was OK, and had just a few minor injuries.behaveinjurysuffer an injury He suffered a serious leg injury in a motorcycle accident.sufferget an injury informal (=suffer an injury) He couldn’t take the chance of getting an injury.getsustain/receive an injury formal (=suffer an injury) She sustained an injury to her hip.sustaintreat an injury The injury was treated at the local hospital.betreatrecover from an injury It took her six months to recover from the injury.takemonthescape/avoid injury Two workmen narrowly escaped injury when a wall collapsed.workmanescapecollapsecause an injury The injury was caused by flying glass from the car windscreen.becauseflyinflict an injury on somebody formal (=make someone have an injury) Jenkins was accused of inflicting a head injury on one of his former colleagues.beaccuseinflictcolleaguedo yourself an injury British English informal (=accidentally hurt yourself) Be careful with that knife or you’ll do yourself an injury.an injury happens/occurs The injury occurred five minutes into the game.occurminutephrasesbe prone to injury (=often get injuries) She was rather prone to injury and often missed matches as a result.bemissmatchinjury + NOUNinjury problems BrE: He suffered injury problems throughout his career as a footballer.sufferproblemTHESAURUSinjury damage to part of your body caused by an accident or an attack: The passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.passengerbetakeinjurywound an injury, especially a deep cut in your skin made by a knife, bullet, or bomb: He died of a gunshot wound to the head.diewindcut a small injury made when a sharp object cuts your skin: Blood was running from a cut on his chin.berunbruise a dark mark on your skin that you get when you fall or get hit: Jack often comes home from playing rugby covered in bruises.comeplaycoverbruisegraze/scrape a small injury that marks your skin or breaks the surface slightly: She fell off her bike and got a few grazes on her legs and knees.fallgetgrazelegkneegash a long deep cut: He had a deep gash across his forehead.havebump an area of skin that is swollen because you have hit it against something: How did you get that bump on your head?dosprain an injury to your ankle, wrist, knee etc, caused by suddenly twisting it: It’s a slight sprain – you should rest your ankle for a week.shallstrain an injury to a muscle caused by stretching it or using it too much: a muscle strain in his neckfracture a crack or broken part in a bone: a hip fracture
verb [transitive]
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: contenir, from Latin continere ‘to hold together, hold in, contain’, from com- ( → COM-) + tenere ‘to hold’ Verb form1container/place if something such as a bag, box, or place contains something, that thing is inside it:
The thieves stole a purse containing banknotes.thievestealcontainbanknoteThe museum contains a number of original artworks.containnumbartwork2writing/speech if a document, book, speech etc contains something, that thing is included in it: The letter contained information about Boulestin’s legal affairs.containaffairbe contained in/within somethingThe proposed changes are contained in a policy statement.proposechangebecontain3substance if a substance contains something, that thing is part of it: This product may contain nuts.nutRegisterIn everyday English, people often use different phrases to say that something contains something else: The box contained books. ➔ The box had books in it. | The essay contained a lot of mistakes. ➔ There were a lot of mistakes in the essay. | Does this dish contain any meat? ➔ Is there any meat in this dish?4CONTROLcontrol feelings to control strong feelings of anger, excitement etc: Jane couldn’t contain her amusement any longer.longcontain yourselfHe was so excited he could hardly contain himself.beexcitecan5SPREADstop something to stop something from spreading or escaping: Doctors are struggling to contain the epidemic.doctorbestrugglemeasures aimed at containing political oppositionmeasureaimcontain → self-contained6maths technicalAROUND/ROUND to surround an area or an angle: How big is the angle contained by these two sides?becontainside
verb (past tense and past participle applied, present participle applying, third person singular applies)
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: aplier, from Latin applicare, from ad- ‘to’ + plicare ‘to fold’ Verb form1request [intransitive]ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to make a formal request, usually written, for something such as a job, a place at a university, or permission to do somethingapply for
She applied for a job with the local newspaper.applyWe need to apply for planning permission to build a garage.planapply toI applied to four universities and was accepted by all of them.applyuniversitybeaccept2affect [intransitive, transitive not in progressive]EFFECT/INFLUENCE to have an effect on or to concern a particular person, group, or situationapply toDo the same rules apply to part-time workers?ruleworkerThe offer only applies to flights from London and Manchester.applyflight3use [transitive]USE STH to use something such as a method, idea, or law in a particular situation, activity, or processapply something to somethingNew technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.bebeapplyThese ideas are often difficult to apply in practice.ideabe4apply yourselfWORK HARD to work hard at something, especially with a lot of attention for a long time: Stephen would do well if only he applied himself.willapplyapply yourself toOver the next months, he applied himself to improving the technique.monthapplyimprove5make something work [transitive]USE STH to make something such as a piece of equipment operate, usually by pushing or pressing something: apply the brakesbrake6spread paint/liquid etc [transitive]PUT to put or spread something such as paint, liquid, or medicine onto a surface: Apply the cream evenly over the skin.apply make-up/lipstick etc7apply force/pressurePUSH to push on something8use a word [transitive]USE STH to use a particular word or name to describe something or someone: The term ‘mat’ can be applied to any small rug.applyTHESAURUSuse: Do you mind if I use your phone? | They rebuilt the church using local stone.rebuilduse | We use a range of different methods.methodmake use of something to use something that is available to you: Staff can make use of a wide range of facilities.facility | She made full use of her contacts within the organization.makecontactemploy formal to use a particular method or skill in order to achieve something: The surgeons employed a new technique.surgeonemploy | They employed every means at their disposal (=every available method).employmeanutilize formal to use something that is available to you, for a practical purpose: The company has developed a new way to utilize solar energy.havedevelop | a better way of utilizing the spacewellutilizeexploit to use something as fully and effectively as possible, or to use something that will give you an advantage over your opponent: The country’s natural resources have not yet been fully exploited.resourcebeexploit | He was quick to exploit any weakness in his opponent’s argument.beapply to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation: New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.bebeapply | I wanted to apply the things that I had learned on the course.wantthinghavelearndraw on something to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past: He was able to draw on his own experience as a diplomat when he was writing the book.bebewrite | Journalists draw on information from many different sources.journalistsourceresort to something to use violence, force, threats etc as a way of achieving something: Extremists on both sides resort to violence.extremistside | We are prepared to resort to force if necessary.beprepare
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: from the present participle of Latin agere ‘to drive, lead, act, move, do’ 1BUSINESSa person or company that represents another person or company, especially in business:
Our agent in Rio deals with all our Brazilian business.dealagent forWe’re acting as agents for Mr Watson.actagent → estate agent, land agent, real estate agent, travel agent2ARTIST/ACTORsomeone who finds work for actors, musicians etc, or who finds someone to publish a writer’s work: My agent has a new script for me to look at.havea literary agent3GOVERNMENT AGENTsomeone who works for a government or police department, especially in order to get secret information about another country or organization: an intelligence agentan FBI agentan undercover (=secret) agent → secret agent, double agent4CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT technical a chemical or substance that is used for a particular purpose or that has a particular effect: Soap is a cleansing agent.becleanse5FORCECHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENTsomeone or something that affects or changes a situationagent for/of changeTechnological advances are the chief agents of change.advancebeagent → free agent
noun (plural allies) [countable]1a country that agrees to help or support another country in a war: a meeting of the European alliesmeetally2the Allies the group of countries including Britain and the US that fought together in the First and Second World Wars3SUPPORT A TEAM OR PLAYERsomeone who helps and supports you when other people are trying to oppose you: Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.becloseallya staunch ally (=very close ally) of President Soaresa network of political alliesallyShe knew she had found an ally in Ted.knowhavefind4something that helps you succeed in a difficult situation: Exercise is an important ally in your campaign to lose weight.be
allyverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesallyalliesalliedallyingallyal‧ly2 /əˈlaɪ $ əˈlaɪ,ˈælaɪ/ verb (past tense and past participle allied, present participle allying, third person singular allies)Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: alier, from Latin alligare, from ad- ‘to’ + ligare ‘to tie’ Verb form UNITE[transitive always +adverb/preposition] to help and support other people or countries, especially in a war or disagreementally yourself to/with somebody
Some of the northern cities allied themselves with the emperor.cityally → allied
verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: achever, from chief ‘end, head’ Verb form1[transitive]DO to successfully complete something or get a good result, especially by working hard:
Frances achieved very good exam results.achieveresultWilson has achieved considerable success as an artist.haveachieveShe eventually achieved her goal of becoming a professor.achievebecomeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say someone gets a result rather than achieves it:He got good grades in his final exams.getgradeexam2[intransitive]SUCCESSFUL to be successful in a particular kind of job or activity: We want all our students to achieve within their chosen profession.studentchoose—achievableachievable adjectiveTHESAURUSsucceed in doing somethingsucceed verb [intransitive] to do something you tried or wanted to do: Will they succeed in winning the election?win | He wanted to make her jealous, and he succeeded.wantsucceedmanage verb [intransitive] to succeed in doing something difficult, after trying hard. Manage to do something is very commonly used instead of succeed in doing something in everyday English: He finally managed to find an apartment near his office.manage | Don’t worry – I’m sure we’ll manage somehow.achieve verb [transitive] to succeed in doing something good or important: She’s achieved a lot in the short time she’s been with the company.achievebe | If we are to achieve our goals, we have to plan properly.begoalaccomplish verb [transitive] formal to achieve something: The government accomplished its objective of reducing violent crime.accomplishreduce | What do you hope to accomplish this year?make it to be successful in your career, or to succeed in reaching a place or part of a competition: Only a few people make it to the top and become professional singers.singer | We finally made it to Chicago.make | Which two teams will make it to the final?teampull off phrasal verb to succeed in doing something, especially when you could easily have not succeeded. Pull off sounds rather informal: Italy pulled off a great victory over Germany.pull | I’d never performed on my own before, and wasn’t sure if I could pull it off.performcan
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Arabic naranj, from Sanskrit naranga ‘orange tree’
1 [countable] a round fruit that has a thick orange skin and is divided into parts inside: orange juiceorange peelPeel the oranges and divide them into segments.orangesegmentorange groves (=where orange trees grow)grove2[uncountable] a colour that is between red and yellow: a bright shade of orange—orangeorangerorangestorange adjective: an orange shirt
OrangeOrangeOrangeOrange
trademark an Internet and mobile phone company which operates in many countries and is owned by France Telecom.
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old North French
Origin: probably from Vulgar Latin (hortus) gardinus ‘enclosed (garden)’ 1[countable] British English the area of land next to a house, where there are flowers, grass, and other plants, and often a place for people to sit SYN yard American English:
He’s outside in the garden.Grace brought us some flowers from her garden.bringflowerback/front garden (=at the back or front of the house)2[countable] a part of the area next to a house, which has plants and flowers in it: The house has a beautiful herb garden.have3gardens [plural] a large area of land where plants and flowers are grown so that the public can go and see them: the Botanical Gardens at Kewgarden4Gardens British English used in the name of streets: 211 Roland Gardensgarden → kitchen garden, market garden, → lead somebody up the garden path at lead1(12)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + gardenovergrown (=covered with plants that have grown in an uncontrolled way) The garden is getting rather overgrown.begetovergrowwell-kept/tidy British English (also neat American English) The hotel is set in a well-kept garden.bekeepuntidy There was a small untidy garden behind the house.bethe front garden British English (=at the front of a house) Their house had a small front garden.havethe back garden British English (=behind a house) The children are playing in the back garden.childbeplaya flower/rose garden (=a garden planted with flowers/roses) The cottage was surrounded by a flower garden.besurrounda kitchen garden British English (=where you grow fruit and vegetables) The kitchen garden supplies vegetables to the manor house.supplyvegetablea vegetable/herb garden (=where vegetables/herbs are grown) Rows of lettuces had been sown in the vegetable garden.rowlettucehavebesowa rock garden (=a garden with rocks that have plants growing between them) She helped me choose plants for the rock garden.helpplantverbswater the garden It hasn’t rained for a week – I should water the garden.rainshallweed the garden (=remove unwanted wild plants) She was outside weeding the garden.beweedplant a garden They planted a beautiful rose garden in her memory.plantrisegarden + NOUNa garden shed (=a small building in the garden for storing tools and equipment) We keep the lawnmower in the garden shed.garden tools (=tools that you use for digging, planting etc in the garden) Choose the right garden tool and you’ll do the job properly.a garden centre British English, a garden center American English (=a shop selling plants and things for the garden) I bought the plants at the garden centre.buyplantgarden furniture (=chairs and tables used in a garden) Garden furniture sells well when the weather is warm.sellbea garden hose (=a long rubber tube used for watering a garden) He accidentally left the garden hose running.leaveruna garden pond (=a small area of water in a garden) The garden pond was full of fish.bea garden gnome (=a stone or plastic figure in a garden, which looks like a little old man with a pointed hat) Somebody had stolen one of their garden gnomes.havestealgnomethe garden gate (= the gate between a garden and the street) Martin was waiting by the garden gate.bewaita garden path Elaine walked up the garden path and into the house.walkgarden waste (=grass, leaves etc that you have cut and do not want) The brown bin is for garden waste.bephrasesthe bottom of the garden British English (=the end of the garden, away from the house) There was a trampoline at the bottom of the garden.beTHESAURUSareas and structures in a gardenlawn [countable] an area of short grass in a garden: They were sitting on the front lawn of the house.besitflowerbed [countable] an area of ground where you grow flowers: The flowerbeds were well maintained.flowerbedbemaintainrockery [countable] British English an area of a garden where there are rocks with small flowers growing between themhedge [countable] a row of small bushes or trees growing close together, used for dividing one garden from another: a beech hedgevegetable patch/plot [countable] (also kitchen garden British English) a part of a garden where you grow vegetablespatio [countable] a flat stone area next to a house, where people sit outsidedecking [uncountable] a flat wooden area in a garden, where people can sitpond [countable] a small area of water in a gardenwater feature [countable] a small pool or structure with water running through it, used to make a garden look more attractivegreenhouse [countable] a glass building where you can grow plants that need protection from the weathershed [countable] a small wooden building in a garden, where you can store thingswork you do in a gardencut the grass/mow the lawn to cut grass using a machine: I need to mow the lawn.trim a hedge to make a hedge look neater by cutting small pieces off it: Hedges need to be trimmed regularly in summer.hedgetrimcut back/prune shrubs to cut pieces off a bush in order to make it grow better: March is the ideal time for pruning roses.bepruneroseweed the flowerbeds/do some weeding to remove unwanted plants: Dad was doing some weeding.bedoweedsow seeds to put seeds in the ground: The children had been sowing sunflower seeds.childhavebesowseedplant a plant/tree to put a plant or tree in the ground so that it will grow: They’d planted a row of cherry trees.planttreedeadhead plants to remove the dead or dying flowers from a plant: When deadheading roses, make sure you use sharp pruning scissors.deadheadroseprunescissor
gardenverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesgardengardensgardenedgardeninggardengarden2 verb [intransitive]Word familyVerb form to work in a garden, keeping it clean, growing plants etc
verb [transitive]
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old North French
Origin: lancher, from Late Latin lanceare ‘to throw a lance’, from Latin lancea; → LANCE1 Verb form1start somethingSTART STH/MAKE STH START to start something, usually something big or important:
The organization has launched a campaign to raise $150,000.havelaunchThe Canadian police plan to launch an investigation into the deal.launch an attack/assault/offensiveThe press launched a vicious attack on the President.launchThe book launched his career as a novelist.launch2productSELL to make a new product, book etc available for sale for the first time: The company hopes to launch the new drug by next October.hope3boat to put a boat or ship into the water4sky/spaceUP to send a weapon or spacecraft into the sky or into space: A test satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral.belaunch5computer to make a computer program start SYN open: Double-click on an icon to launch an application.6launch yourself forwards/up/from etcJUMP to jump up and forwards into the air with a lot of energylaunch into something phrasal verb1START STH/MAKE STH STARTto suddenly start a description or story, or suddenly start criticizing something: Nelson launched into a blistering criticism of greedy lawyers.launchblisterlawyer2to suddenly start doing something: Don’t just launch into exercise without warming up first.warmlaunch out phrasal verb British English START STH/MAKE STH STARTto start something new, especially something that involves riskTHESAURUSshoot verb [intransitive and transitive] to use a gun to fire bullets, or to kill or injure someone using a gun: He ordered his men to stop shooting.ordermanshoot | The guards shot the man as he was trying to escape.guardshootbetry | President Kennedy was shot by a lone gunman.beshootfire verb [intransitive and transitive] to shoot bullets from a gun, or send an explosive object towards someone or something: Soldiers fired into the crowd.soldierfire | Helicopters fired rockets at several buildings.helicopterfirerocketbuilding | He regained his balance, took aim, and fired.regaintakefire | The police fired into the air to make the crowd break up.fire | As soon as we crossed the border, enemy troops started firing at us.crosstroopstartfire | Kendrick fired three shots at the President’s car.fireshot | Suddenly the car stopped, and the passenger got out and fired a Kalashnikov rifle at the police car.stopgetfirelaunch verb [transitive] to send a large rocket or missile into the air: American warships launched cruise missiles.warshiplaunchmissile | The guerrillas launched their rockets from densely populated towns.guerrillalaunchrocketpopulatetownopen fire to start shooting: Nineteen students were injured after a gunman opened fire.studentbeinjureopen | Troops opened fire on a group of unarmed demonstrators.troopopendemonstrator | The colonel gave the order for the soldiers to open fire.givesoldiershell verb [transitive] to fire shells (=metal containers filled with an explosive substance) at enemy soldiers, cities etc in a war, using large guns: Border towns have been shelled by enemy aircraft for the past two months.townbeshellmonth | British warships began shelling German positions along the coast.warshipbeginshellpositionbombard verb [transitive] to attack a place for a long time with shells or bombs: Allied forces bombarded the coast prior to the invasion.allyforcebombard | Troops bombarded the area with shells.troopbombardshell | The allied forces bombarded the enemy trenches for weeks.allyforcebombardtrenchweek | Cromwell’s men had been bombarding the fort with their artillery for several days.manhavebebombarddaytake a potshot at somebody/something to shoot at someone or something without aiming very carefully: Someone tried to take a potshot at him, but hit the man behind instead.try
launchnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus exampleslaunchlauncheslaunchlaunch2 noun [countable]Sense 1,3:Date: 1300-1400
Origin: → LAUNCH1Sense 2:
Date: 1600-1700
Language: Spanish
Origin: lancha, from Portuguese, perhaps from Malay lanchar ‘quick’ 1SELLwhen a new product, book etc is made available or made knownlaunch of
the launch of a new women’s magazinewomana new product launch2a large boat with a motor3when a weapon or spacecraft is sent into the sky or into space
noun
Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: ressource, from Old French resourdre ‘to rise again, relieve’, from Latin resurgere; → RESURGENCE 1land/oil/coal etc [countable usually plural] something such as useful land, or minerals such as oil or coal, that exists in a country and can be used to increase its wealth:
Canada’s vast mineral resourcesresourcea country rich in natural resourcesresource2money/property etc resources [plural] all the money, property, skills etc that you have available to use when you need them: She had no financial resources.haveresourceOnly limited resources are available to the police.limitresourcebepool your resources (=put together all the resources that each of you can provide) → human resources3personal qualities resources [plural]CAN personal qualities, such as courage and determination, that you need to deal with a difficult situation: He proved that he has considerable inner resources.provehaveresource4educational [countable] something such as a book, film, or picture used by teachers or students to provide information: resources for learningresourcelearna valuable new computer resourceresource room/centre5practical ability [uncountable] formalCAN the ability to deal with practical problems SYN resourcefulness: a man of great resourceCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1ADJECTIVES/NOUN + resourcenatural resources We support the sustainable use of natural resources.resourcemineral resources This area is rich in mineral resources.beresourceenergy resources The country has few energy resources of its own.haveresourcewater resources Botswana expressed growing concern over its dwindling water resources.expressgrowdwindleresourceoil resources oil resources in the North Searesourcea renewable resource (=one that replaces itself naturally, or is easily replaced) Trees are a renewable resource.treebea non-renewable resource We should reduce our use of non-renewable resources.shallresourcea finite resource (=one which is limited in amount, so that it will no longer exist if people continue to use it) Crude oil is a finite resource.bea national resource High-quality agricultural land is a national resource.beverbsuse resources Modern products use fewer natural resources.productresourceexploit resources He exploited the mineral resources which he found under his lands.exploitresourcefindlandtap resources (=take them from an area) Several nations are eager to tap the mineral resources in Antarctica.nationberesourcephrasesbe rich in resources Swaziland is rich in natural resources.beresourceCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave resources Do the police have the resources they need?resourceuse resources (also make use of resources) We must use our resources efficiently.resourcewaste resources We cannot afford to waste our resources on fighting each other.resourcefightallocate resources (=give them to a particular person, organization etc) I spoke to the official who was in charge of allocating the funds.speakbeallocatefundpool your resources (=put together the resources that each of you have) They decided to pool their resources and buy a business together.decideresourceadjectivesfinancial/economic resources Lack of financial resources can result in homelessness.resourcematerial resources Most people lack the material resources to be able to deal with periods of unemployment.resourceperiodlimited/scarce resources We have very limited resources.limitresourceavailable resources The aim was to make use of all available resources.beresource
resourceverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Corpus examplesresourceresourcere‧source2 AC /rɪˈzɔːs, -ˈsɔːs $ -ˈsɔːrs/ verb [transitive usually passive]Verb form to provide money or other resources for something: The program wasn’t adequately resourced.
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: setlan Verb form1end argument [intransitive and transitive]ARGUE# to end an argument or solve a disagreementsettle a dispute/lawsuit/conflict/argument etc
Rodman met with Kreeger to try and settle the dispute over his contract.meetWe hope the factions will be able to settle their differences (=agree to stop arguing) by peaceful means.factiondifferencemeanForensic tests should settle the question of whether Bates was actually present at the scene of the crime.testshallbesettle withShe finally settled with her former employers for an undisclosed sum.settleemployerThey might be willing to settle out of court (=come to an agreement without going to a court of law).will2decide [transitive usually passive]DECIDE to decide what you are going to do, especially so that you can make definite arrangements: Nothing’s settled yet.settleIt’s settled then. I’ll go back to the States in June.settlestate‘She’s only 15.’ ‘That settles it (=that is enough information for a definite decision to be made)! We’re not taking her with us!’settletake3start living in a place a)[intransitive, transitive usually passive]LIVE SOMEWHERE to go to a place where no people have lived permanently before and start to live there: This territory was settled in the mid-1850s by German immigrants.besettleimmigrant b)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]LIVE SOMEWHERE to go to live in a new place, and stay there for a long timesettle inMany Jewish people settled in the Lower East Side.settlelow4comfortable [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]SIT to put yourself or someone else in a comfortable positionsettle yourself in/on etc somethingDonna did not dare settle herself too comfortably into her seat, in case she fell asleep.dofallThe dog settled on the grass to enjoy its bone.settleA nurse settled the old man into a chair.settle → settle back5quiet/calm [intransitive and transitive] (also settle down)CALM to become quiet and calm, or to make someone quiet and calm: When the children had settled, Miss Brown gave out the new reading books.childhavesettlegivereadbookShe breathed deeply to settle her nerves (=stop herself from feeling worried or frightened).breathenerve6move down [intransitive] a)DOWNif dust, snow etc settles, it comes down and stays in one placesettle onSnow settled on the roofs.settleroof b)DOWNif a bird, insect etc settles, it flies down and rests on somethingsettle onA fly kept trying to settle on his face.keeptry c)if something such as a building or the ground settles, it sinks slowly to a lower level: The crack in the wall is caused by the ground settling.becausegrindsettle7pay money [intransitive and transitive]PAY FOR to pay money that is owedsettle a bill/account/claimI always settle my account in full each month.These insurance companies take forever to settle a claim.companysettle withHe was able to settle with his creditors, and avoid going to jail.becreditorgo8organize business/money [transitive]FINISH DOING STH to deal with all the details of a business or of someone’s money or property, so that nothing further needs to be done: When it is finally settled, the Marshall estate may be worth no more than $100,000.besettleAfter her husband’s death, Jackie went to the city to settle his affairs.goaffair9settle a score/accountFINISH DOING STH to do something to hurt or cause trouble for someone because they have harmed or offended you: Did he have any enemies – someone with an old score to settle?doenemy10sb’s eyes/gaze settles on somebody/something writtenLOOK AT if your eyes settle on someone or something, you notice them and look at them for a period of time: Her gaze settled on a door, and she wondered what was on the other side of it.settlewonderbe11feeling/quality [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] writtenEFFECT/INFLUENCE if a quality or feeling settles over a place or person, it begins and has a strong effectsettle over/onAn uneasy silence settled over the room.settleDepression settled over her like a heavy black cloud.settle12expression [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] writtenEXPRESSION ON SB'S FACE if a particular expression settles on your face, it stays there: A disapproving frown settled on her face.disapprovesettle13stomach [intransitive and transitive] if your stomach settles, or if something settles it, it stops feeling uncomfortable or making you sick: Georgia had taken pills to settle her stomach, but she was still throwing up every hour.havetakepillbethrow → let the dust settle/wait for the dust to settle at dust1(5)COLLOCATIONSnounssettle a dispute/argument/conflict Every effort was made to settle the dispute, without success.bemakesettle a lawsuit/case The city will pay $875,000 to settle the lawsuit.settle a question/matter It is the area of pricing which may settle the question of which to buy.bepricesettle your differences (=agree to stop arguing) The two recently met to settle their differences.meetdifferenceadverbssettle something finally/eventually The case was finally settled by the Appeal Court.besettlesettle something amicably (=in a friendly way, without using a court of law) The dispute was settled amicably.besettlephrasessettle out of court (=come to an agreement without going to a court of law) She talked to a lawyer and settled out of court with her former employer.talksettlesettle back phrasal verb to lean back in a bed or chair, and relax and enjoy yourself: Vera settled back to enjoy the film.settlesettle down phrasal verb1settle (somebody) downCALMQUIET to become quiet and calm, or to make someone quiet and calm: Shh! Settle down, please! Now turn to page 57.When Kyle was a baby, we used to take him for rides in the car to settle him down.beuseride2LIVE SOMEWHEREto start living a quiet and calm life in one place, especially when you get married: They’d like to see their daughter settle down, get married, and have kids.marrykid3START DOING STHto start giving all of your attention to a job or activitysettle down toI sorted out my mail, then settled down to some serious work.sortsettle4if a situation settles down, it becomes calmer and you are less busy or less worried: It’s been really hectic here. When things settle down, I’ll give you a call.bethingsettle for something phrasal verb [not in passive] ACCEPTto accept something even though it is not the best, or not what you really want: They want $2,500 for it, but they might settle for $2,000.settle in (also settle into somethingsettle into something) phrasal verb USED TO/ACCUSTOMED TOto begin to feel happy and relaxed in a new situation, home, job, or school: How’s your new home? Are you settling in OK?besettleIt takes a few months to settle into life at college.takemonthsettle on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb1CHOOSEto decide or agree on something: They haven’t settled on a name for the baby yet.settle2settle something on somebody British English formal to make a formal arrangement to give money or property to someone: She settled a small yearly sum on each of her children.settlechildsettle up phrasal verb PAY FORto pay what you owe on an account or bill: We settled up and checked out of the hotel.settlechecksettle up withI’ll settle up with the bartender, then let’s go.
noun [countable]Sense 1-2:Date: 1400-1500
Language: French
Origin: bande ‘group of people’Sense 3-6:
Date: 1400-1500
Language: French
Origin: bande ‘flat strip, edge, side’ 1MUSIC[also + plural verb] British English a group of musicians, especially a group that plays popular music:
The band was playing old Beatles songs.beplaysongI grew up playing in rock bands.growplaybandSmith joined the band in 1989.joinThey formed a band when they were still at school.formbeThe entertainment includes a disco and live band.includeinterviews with band membersinterviewmember → big band, brass band, marching band, one-man band2GROUP OF PEOPLEa group of people formed because of a common belief or purposeband ofa small band of volunteersvolunteerbands of soldiersbandsoldier3AMOUNTa range of numbers within a system: Interest rates stayed within a relatively narrow band.ratestayage/tax/income etc bandpeople within the $20,000–$30,000 income band4PIECE OF MATERIALPIECEa flat narrow piece of something with one end joined to the other to form a circle: papers held together with a rubber bandpaperholda slim gold band on her finger5a narrow area of light, colour, land etc that is different from the areas around it: The birds have a distinctive blue band round their eyes.birdeyeband ofa thin band of cloud6technical a range of radio signals SYN wavebandCOLLOCATIONSverbsform a band They formed their own band and released a single.formreleasejoin a band He took up the saxophone and joined the school band.takejoinplay/sing in a band (=be a musician or singer in a band) Budd played in a rock band.playlead a band (=either as lead singer or as a conductor) He led his own band in Florida and played in clubs.leadplaycluba band performs/plays The band is performing live on Saturday night.beperforma band strikes up (=starts playing) We were on the dance floor waiting for the band to strike up.bewaitADJECTIVES/NOUN + banda rock/jazz etc band He's the saxophonist in a jazz band.a brass band (=a band of brass instruments such as trumpets and trombones) A brass band was playing in the park.beplaya live band (=playing live music, not recorded music) There's a live band at the club on Saturday nights.nightthe school band She plays the trumpet in the school band.playa marching band (=musicians who march as they play) the Ohio state marching bandmarcha military band (=musicians who play music on military occasions) a military band with their brass and their drumsdrumband + NOUNa band member He was one of the original band members.bemembera band leader (=the conductor of a brass band, a military band, etc)COMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'make a band'. Say form a band.THESAURUSstripe a line of colour, especially one of several lines of colour all close together: the red and white stripes on the US flagstripe | horizontal stripesstripestreak a coloured line or thin mark, especially one that is not straight or has been made accidentally: His hair was black with streaks of grey.bestreak | He saw the red streaks of sunrise in the sky.seestreakband a thick line of colour that is different from the areas around it: The fish has a black band on its fin.have
bandverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesbandbandsbandedbandingbandband2 verb [transitive usually passive]Verb form British English to put people or things into different groups, usually according to income, value, or price: After valuation, properties will be banded in groups of £20,000 or more.propertybandgroupband together phrasal verb UNITEif people band together, they unite in order to achieve something: Local people have banded together to fight the company’s plans.bandplan
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: involvere ‘to wrap’, from volvere ‘to roll’ Verb form1MUSTif an activity or situation involves something, that thing is part of it or a result of it:
What will the job involve?I didn’t realize putting on a play involved so much work.putinvolveinvolve doing somethingRunning your own business usually involves working long hours.runinvolveworkhour2INCLUDEto include or affect someone or something: These changes will involve everyone on the staff.changeThere have been four accidents involving Forest Service planes.beaccidentinvolveplane3TAKE PART/BE INVOLVEDto ask or allow someone to take part in somethinginvolve somebody in (doing) somethingTry to involve as many children as possible in the game.childWe want to involve the workforce at all stages of the decision-making process.stagemake4involve yourselfTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to take part actively in a particular activityinvolve yourself inReilly involves himself in every aspect of his company’s business.involve
verb (past tense and past participle hurt)
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: hurter ‘to crash violently into’ Verb form1injure somebody [transitive]INJURE to injure yourself or someone else:
Was anyone hurt in the accident?bePut that thing down – you might hurt someone with it.hurt your arm/leg/nose etcHe hurt his knee playing football.playhurt yourselfBe careful you don’t fall and hurt yourself.2feel pain [intransitive]HURT/CAUSE PAIN to feel pain in part of your body → ache: My back hurts.hurtWhere does it hurt?doIt hurts when I try to move my leg.hurthurt like hell informal (=hurt very much)My shoulder hurts like hell.hurt3cause pain [transitive]HURT/CAUSE PAIN to cause pain in a part of your body: The sun’s hurting my eyes.hurteye4insult somebody [intransitive and transitive]UPSET to make someone feel very upset, unhappy, sad etc: I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.feelingit hurts (somebody) to do somethingWhat hurts is that he never even said goodbye.hurtbesayIt hurt me to think that you hated me.hate5bad effect [transitive]HARM/BE BAD FOR to have a bad effect on someone or something, especially by making them less successful or powerful: Foreign competition has hurt the company’s position in the market.have6be hurting American English a)informalUPSET to feel very upset or unhappy about something: Martha’s going through a divorce and really hurting right now.gohurt b)NOT HAVEif a group, organization etc is hurting, they do not have something important that they needbe hurting forThe team is hurting for quarterbacks.behurtquarterback7something won’t/doesn’t hurt spokenSHOULD/OUGHT TO said when you think someone should do something or that something is a good idea: The house looks pretty good, but a fresh paint job wouldn’t hurt either.lookit won’t/doesn’t hurt (somebody) to do somethingIt won’t hurt Julia to get up early for a change.winTHESAURUSto injure yourself or someone elsehurt to damage part of your body, or someone else’s body: She slipped on the ice and hurt herself badly.slip | Be careful you don’t hurt anyone with that knife.injure to hurt yourself quite severely, or to be hurt in an accident or fighting: One of our players has injured his leg, and will be out of the game for weeks.playerhaveinjureweek | Four people have been seriously injured on the Arizona highway.beinjurewound to deliberately hurt someone using a weapon such as a knife or gun: The gunmen shot and killed twelve people and wounded three others.gunmanshootkillwoundmaim /meɪm/ [usually passive] to hurt someone very severely, especially so that they lose an arm, leg etc, often as the result of an explosion: In countries where there are landmines, people are killed and maimed daily.countrybelandminebekillmaimbreak to hurt a part of your body by breaking a bone in it: The X-ray showed that I had broken my wrist.showhavebreakbruise to hurt a part of your body when you fall on it or hit it, causing a dark mark to appear on your skin: Cathy fell off her bike and bruised her legs badly.fallbruiselegsprain/twist to hurt your knee, wrist, shoulder etc by suddenly twisting it while you are moving: I jumped down from the wall and landed awkwardly, spraining my ankle.jumplandsprainstrain/pull to hurt one of your muscles by stretching it or using it too much: When you are lifting heavy loads, be careful not to strain a back muscle.beliftloaddislocate to damage a joint in your body in a way that moves the two parts of the joint out of their normal position: Our best batsman dislocated his shoulder during training.welldislocatetrainparalyse [usually passive] to make someone lose the ability to move part or all of their body: A climbing accident had left him paralysed from the chest down.climbhaveleaveparalysewhen part of your body feels painfulhurt if part of your body hurts, it feels painful: My chest hurts when I cough.hurtache to hurt with a continuous pain: I’d been walking all day and my legs were really aching.bewalklegbeachethrob to feel a bad pain that comes and goes again in a regular and continuous way: Lou had a terrible headache and his whole head seemed to be throbbing.haveseemthrobsting to feel a sharp pain, or to make someone feel this, especially in your eyes, throat, or skin: My throat stings every time I swallow.sting | This injection may sting a little.smart to hurt with a sudden sharp pain – used especially about your eyes, or your skin where something has hit you: Her eyes were smarting from the thick smoke.eyebesmart | Jackson’s face was still smarting from the punch.besmartburn to feel very hot and painful or uncomfortable: Be careful because this chemical will make your skin burn. | His eyes were burning because of the gas.eyebeburnpinch if something you are wearing pinches you, it is too tight and presses painfully on your skin: The shirt was a bit too small and it was pinching my neck.bebitebepinchsomething is killing me spoken informal used when something feels very painful: My legs are killing me.legbekill | These shoes are killing me.shoebekilla bad back/leg/arm etc if you have a bad back/leg/arm etc, it feels painful: He’s off work with a bad back.
hurtadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshurthurthurt2 adjectiveWord family1[not usually before noun]INJURE suffering pain or injury SYN injuredbadly/seriously hurtFortunately, no one was seriously hurt.beSometimes players get hurt in training.playertrain2UPSETvery upset or unhappy because someone has said or done something unkind, dishonest, or unfair: Rachel felt hurt and betrayed.feelbetrayHe’s no good for you, Jenny. You’ll only get hurt again.his hurt prideShe wore a hurt expression on her face.wearvery/deeply hurtAlice was deeply hurt that she hadn’t been invited.bebeinviteTHESAURUSupset [not before noun] unhappy and worried because something unpleasant or disappointing has happened: Miss Hurley is too upset to speak to anyone at the moment.be | She’s still deeply upset about her uncle’s death. | He’s upset that he didn’t get an invitation to their wedding.hurt upset and shocked because someone has been unkind to you, especially someone that you trusted and thought was a friend: Bill felt deeply hurt when he realized she had lied to him.feelrealizehavelie | Gretta was really hurt that none of her friends came to visit her in the hospital.befriendcome | Jackson was said to be ‘deeply hurt’ by the newspaper reports about him.besayreport | He had a hurt expression on his face.havedistressed very upset: Priests have been counselling distressed relatives of the victims.priestbecounseldistressrelativevictim | She was visibly distressed after hearing of her husband’s accident.bedistresshear | Matilda was too distressed to speak.bedistressdistraught written so upset and worried that you are unable to do normal things, and nothing can make you feel calm: Benson was so distraught over the breakup of his marriage that he felt like committing suicide.befeelcommit | The distraught parents of the missing baby have made a public appeal for her return.parentmissmakein a (terrible) state British English informal so upset that you cannot stop crying: She called me one night in a terrible state, saying she wanted to die.callsaywant | I could see that she was in a bit of a state.canbebitebe worked up informal to be very upset or angry, so that you think things are worse than they really are: I was too worked up to sleep.bework | It’s not worth getting worked up about. Anyone can make a mistake.getwork
hurtnounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshurthurtshurthurt3 noun [uncountable and countable]Word family UPSETa feeling of great unhappiness because someone, especially someone you trust, has treated you badly or unfairly: She saw the hurt in his eyes.seeeyeall the hurts and wrongs of the pasthurtwrong → harm
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: criticus, from Greek kritikos, from krinein; → CRITERION 1JUDGEsomeone whose job is to make judgments about the good and bad qualities of art, music, films etc SYN reviewermusic/art/film/theatre/literary critic
a review by the theatre critic of the ‘Sunday Times’time2CRITICIZEsomeone who criticizes a person, organization, or ideacritic ofCritics of the scheme have said that it will not solve the problem of teenage crime.criticsayfierce/outspoken critican outspoken critic of the government3armchair criticCRITICIZE someone who criticizes other people but who does not have any proper experience of the activity the other people are doingCOLLOCATIONStypes of critica film/art/music etc critic He became the chief music critic for the Herald Tribune.becomea literary critic (=of books and other literature)a theatre critic British English, a theater critcic American English (=of plays)a restaurant critic (=of the food, service etc in restaurants) Being a restaurant critic sounds like a glamorous lifestyle.besounda social critic (=of human society and its organizations) Social critics have argued that television viewing decreases people's other social activities.criticargueviewdecreaseactivityverbsa critic attacks something Many critics attacked Seurat’s paintings for their lack of colour.criticattackpaintinga critic praises something The play was highly praised by critics and the public.bepraisecritica critic hails something/somebody as something (=describes someone or something as very good) Critics hailed the film as a brilliant portrayal of American society at that time.critichaila critic pans something (also a critic slates something British English) (=criticizes something strongly) The television series has been panned by critics.havebepancritic
noun [countable] a company that takes passengers and goods to different places by plane: an airline pilot
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bat 1a vehicle that travels across water:
a fishing boatfishThe boat capsized (=turned over) in heavy seas.capsizeseaa boat trip around the islandsislandby boatSome of the beaches can only be reached by boat.beachreachon/in a boatMacKay said he would sleep on his boat.saywill → lifeboat, motorboat, powerboat, speedboat, steamboat2informal a ship, especially one that carries passengers: We’re taking the night boat to St. Malo.take3be in the same boat (as somebody)SAME to be in the same unpleasant situation as someone else: Everyone has lost their job. We’re all in the same boat.havelose → gravy boat, sauce boat, → burn your bridges/boats at burn1(18), → miss the boat at miss1(14), → push the boat out at push1(15), → rock the boat at rock2(3)COLLOCATIONSverbssail a boat They’re sailing a boat down the coast of Portugal.sailrow a boat Are you any good at rowing a boat?berowtake a boat out Why don’t we take the boat out on the river?steer a boat He steered the boat carefully to the shore.steerlaunch a boat (=put it in the water) Where’s the best place to launch the boat?welltie up/moor a boat (=tie it to something so that it stays in one place) You can tie up the boat to that tree. | How much does it cost to moor a boat here?doa boat rocks (=moves from side to side in the water) The little boat was rocking in the wind.berocka boat capsizes/overturns (=turns over in the water) Will stood up suddenly and the boat capsized.standcapsizea boat overturns (=turns over in the water)a boat sinks The boat sank in a storm.sinkADJECTIVES/NOUN + boata fishing boat The fishing boats go out to sea early in the morning.fishboata rowing boat British Englisha sailing boat British Englisha canal boat (also a narrow boat British English) (=for use on canals) We had a holiday on a canal boat in France.havea pleasure boat (=a small boat that people use on a lake, river etc)boat + NOUNa boat trip You can take a boat trip to the islands nearby.islanda boat race There’s a boat race on the river tomorrow.THESAURUStypes of boatyacht a large boat with a sail, used for pleasure or sportsailing boat British English, sailboat American English a boat that uses one or more sailsrowing boat British English, rowboat American English a small boat that you move through the water with oarsdinghy a small open boat used for pleasure, or for taking people between a ship and the shorecatamaran a sailing boat with two separate hulls (=the part that goes in the water)trimaran a sailing boat with three separate hullssbarge a large low boat with a flat bottom, used for carrying heavy goods on a canal or rivercanal boat (also narrow boat British English) a boat that you use on canalscanoe a long light boat that is open at the top and pointed at both ends, which you move along using a paddle. Canoes are for one to three peoplekayak a light boat for one or two people, that is pointed at both ends and covered on top. A kayak has round holes on top in which the people sit, and you move it along using a paddle.punt a long thin boat with a flat bottom that you move by pushing a long pole against the bottom of the river – used for pleasurehouseboat a boat that is specially made so that you can live on itpleasure boat a small boat, for example a sailing boat or a rowing boat, that people use on a lake, river etc: People were out on the lake in pleasure boats.beboat → ship
verb (past tense and past participle slipped, present participle slipping)
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Middle Dutch
Origin: Middle Low German slippen Verb form1fall or slide [intransitive]SLIDE to slide a short distance accidentally, and fall or lose your balance slightly:
Wright slipped but managed to keep hold of the ball.slipmanageslip onHe slipped on the ice.slip2go somewhere [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to go somewhere, without attracting other people’s attention SYN slide: Ben slipped quietly out of the room.slipOne man managed to slip from the club as police arrived.managearrive3put something somewhere [transitive always + adverb/preposition]PUT to put something somewhere quietly or smoothly SYN slide: Ann slipped the book into her bag.slipA letter had been slipped under his door.havebeslipCarrie slipped her arm through her brother’s.slip4give something to somebody [transitive] to give someone something secretly or without attracting much attentionslip somebody somethingI slipped him a ten-dollar bill to keep quiet.slipslip something to somebodyCarr slips the ball to King who scores easily.slipscore5move [intransitive] to move smoothly, especially off or from something: As he bent over, the towel round his waist slipped.bendslipslip off/down/from etcHe watched the sun slip down behind the mountains.watchmountainThe ring had slipped off Julia’s finger.haveslipCally slipped from his grasp and fled.slipflee6knife [intransitive] if a knife or other tool slips, it moves so that it accidentally cuts the wrong thing: The knife slipped and cut his finger.slip7get worse [intransitive]WORSE to become worse or lower than before: Standards have slipped in many parts of the industry.standardslippartHis popularity slipped further after a series of scandals.slipfarscandalYou’re slipping, Doyle! You need a holiday.slip8change condition [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to gradually start being in a particular condition SYN fallslip intoHe had begun to slip into debt.havebeginShe slipped into unconsciousness and died the next day.slipdieThe project has slipped behind schedule.haveslip9clothes [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to put a piece of clothing on your body, or take it off your body, quickly and smoothlyslip something off/onPeter was already at the door slipping on his shoes.beslipshoeslip into/out ofShe slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower.slipclothestep10time [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if time slips away, past etc, it passes quicklyslip away/past/byThe search for the missing child continued, but time was slipping away.misscontinuebeslipThe hours slipped past almost unnoticed.hourslip11slip your mind/memoryFORGET if something slips your mind, you forget it: I meant to buy some milk, but it completely slipped my mind.meanslip12let something slipTELL A SECRET to say something without meaning to, when you had wanted it to be a secret: He let it slip that they were planning to get married.beplanmarry13get free [transitive]ESCAPE to get free from something that was holding you: The dog slipped his collar and ran away.sliprun14INCLUDEslip through the net British English, slip through the cracks American English if someone or something slips through the net, they are not caught or dealt with by the system that is supposed to catch them or deal with them: In a class of 30 children, it is easy for one to slip through the net and learn nothing.childbe15NOT DO STHlet something slip (through your fingers) to not take an opportunity, offer etc: Don’t let a chance like that slip through your fingers!finger16slip one over on somebody especially American English informal to deceive or play a trick on someone17slip a disc to suffer an injury when one of the connecting parts between the bones in your back moves out of placeslip away phrasal verb1to leave a place secretly or without anyone noticing: He slipped away into the crowd.slip2if something such as an opportunity slips away, it is no longer available: This time, Radford did not let her chance slip away.doslip something ↔ in phrasal verb to use a word or say something without attracting too much attention: He had slipped in a few jokes to liven the speech up.haveslipjokeslip out phrasal verb TELL A SECRETif something slips out, you say it without really intending to: I didn’t mean to say it. The words slipped out.wordslipslip up phrasal verb MISTAKEto make a mistake → slip-up: The company apologized for slipping up so badly.apologizeslipslip up onSomeone had slipped up on the order.haveslip
slipnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesslipslipsslipslip2 S3 noun
Word familySense 1,8:Date: 1400-1500
Language: Middle Dutch
Origin: Middle Low German slippe ‘split, slit, flap’Sense 2-7, 9:
Date: 1400-1500
Origin: → SLIP1Sense 10:
Language: Old English
Origin: slypa ‘slime’ 1paper [countable]PIECE a small or narrow piece of paper:
a slip of paperan order slipa betting slipbet → payslip2mistake [countable]MISTAKE a small mistake: Molly knew she could not afford to make a single slip.knowcan3slip of the tongue/penMISTAKE a small mistake you make when you are speaking or writing, especially by using the wrong word: It was just a slip of the tongue.be → Freudian slip4give somebody the slip informal to escape from someone who is chasing you: Somehow she’d given them the slip.give5clothing [countable] a piece of underwear, similar to a thin dress or skirt, that a woman wears under a dress or skirt: a white silk slip6getting worse [countable usually singular] an occasion when something becomes worse or lower SYN dropslip ina slip in house pricesprice7slide [countable]SLIDE an act of sliding a short distance or of falling by sliding8a slip of a girl/boy etc old-fashionedSMALL a small thin young person – often used humorously9cricket [countable usually plural] a part of the field where players stand, trying to catch the ball in cricket10clay [uncountable] technical a mixture of clay and water that is used for decorating pots
adjective1WEAPONcarrying weapons, especially a gun OPP unarmed: armed police raided the buildingarmraidbuildThe Minister was kidnapped by armed men on his way to the airport.bekidnaparmmanThe prisoners were kept under armed guard.prisonerbekeeparmarmed withThe suspect is armed with a shotgun.bearmShe got ten years in prison for armed robbery (=stealing using a gun).getyeararmThe President fears that armed conflict (=a war) is possible.feararmbeThere is very little support for an armed struggle (=fighting with weapons) against the government.bearma heavily armed battleshiparmMany of the gangs are armed to the teeth (=carrying a lot of weapons).gangbearmtooth2READYhaving the knowledge, skills, or equipment you need to do somethingarmed withShe came to the meeting armed with all the facts and figures to prove us wrong.comemeetarmfactfigureI went out, armed with my binoculars, to see what I could find in the fields.goarmcanfield
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: décade, from Greek dekas, from deka ‘ten’ a period of 10 years
noun
Sense 1-3, 5-8:Language: Old English
Origin: brycgSense 4:
Date: 1800-1900
Origin: biritch ‘bridge’ (1800-1900), perhaps from an unrecorded Turkish bir-üç ‘one-three’
1over a river/road etcOVER A RIVER/ROAD ETC [countable] a structure built over a river, road etc that allows people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other → suspension bridge, swing bridge2connectionCONNECTIONCONNECTED WITH [countable] something that provides a connection between two things SYN linkbridge between/toThe training programme is seen as a bridge between school and work.trainbeseea scheme to build bridges (=make a better relationship) between the police and the communitybridge3shipSHIP [countable usually singular] the raised part of a ship from which the officers control it4card gameCARD GAME [uncountable] a card game for four players, who play in pairs5the bridge of your nose the upper part of your nose between your eyes6pair of glassesPAIR OF GLASSES [countable usually singular] the part of a pair of glasses that rests on your nose7musical instrumentMUSICAL INSTRUMENT [countable usually singular] a small piece of wood under the strings of a violin or guitar, used to keep them in position8for teethFOR TEETH [countable] a small piece of metal that keeps false teeth in place by attaching them to your real teeth → burn your bridges at burn1(18), → cross that bridge when you come to it at cross1(10), → be (all) water under the bridge at water1(6)COLLOCATIONSverbsbuild a bridge (also erect a bridge formal) Finally a new bridge was erected over the road.beerectcross a bridge An estimated 150,000 cars cross the bridge each day.estimatecara bridge crosses something A pretty stone bridge crosses the little river.crossa bridge spans something (=crosses a wide area) By 1875 a railroad bridge spanned the Missouri.spana bridge links something to/with something There's a road bridge linking the site with Stockton town centre.linktypes of bridgea stone/wooden/iron bridge The iron bridge was built in 1811.bebuilda railway bridge British English, a railroad bridge American English (=for trains) Go under the railway bridge and turn right.a road bridge (=for cars) The government plans to construct a new road bridge to the island.plana suspension bridge (=one that hangs from strong steel ropes) A famous suspension bridge spans the estuary.spana swing bridge British English (=one that can be pulled up for ships to go under)a toll bridge (=one that you pay to go across)a humpback bridge British English (=a short bridge with a steep slope at each side)
bridgeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbridgebridgesbridgedbridgingbridgebridge2 verb [transitive]Verb form1LESSto reduce or get rid of the difference between two things: The differences between our two cultures can be bridged if we continue to communicate.differenceculturebridgeAlvin managed to bridge the gap between ballet and modern dance.manage2written to build or form a bridge over something: a fallen tree bridging the streamfallbridge
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: sped ‘success, quickness’ 1of movement [uncountable and countable]SPEEDFAST/QUICK the rate at which something moves or travels:
The truck was travelling at a speed of 50 mph.betravelparticles that travel at the speed of light.particleRegisterIn everyday English, people usually talk about how fast something or someone is rather than using the noun speed: What speed was he going? ➔ How fast was he going?2of action [uncountable and countable]SPEED the rate at which something happens or is donespeed ofthe speed of change within the industrya high-speed computerThe population was growing at great speed.begrow3fast [uncountable] the quality of being fast: The women’s basketball team has talent, speed, and power.womanhavewith speedShe acted with speed and efficiency.actat speed British English: a van travelling at speedtravel4photography [countable] a)the degree to which photographic film is sensitive to light b)the time it takes for a camera shutter to open and close: a shutter speed of 1/250 second5drug [uncountable] informal an illegal drug that makes you very active SYN amphetamine6five-speed/ten-speed etc having five, ten etc gears: a ten-speed bike7up to speed having the latest information or knowledge about something: Some school officials are only now getting up to speed regarding computers.officialbegetregardcomputerJohn will bring you up to speed (=tell you the latest information). → full speed/steam ahead at full1(18)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsincrease your speed He increased his speed until he was running flat out.increaseberungain/gather/pick up speed (=go faster) The Mercedes was gradually picking up speed.bepickreach a speed The trains will reach speeds of 140 mph.trainspeedmaintain a speed (=keep the same speed) The aircraft is designed to maintain a steady speed.bedesignreduce speed (=slow down deliberately) She reduced speed as she approached the village.reduceapproachlose speed (=slow down without wanting to) The engine made a strange sound and we lost speed.makeloseADJECTIVES/NOUN + speedan average speed Our average speed was 88 mph.bea constant/steady speed The disc revolves at a constant speed.revolvea top/maximum speed (=the highest possible) The car has a top speed of 132 mph.havewind speed (=the speed of the wind) The average wind speed will be about 14 knots.knotair speed (=the speed of a plane in relation to the air around it)phrasesat high/great speed The train was travelling at high speed.betravelat low/slow speed Even at low speed, an accident could mean serious injury for a child.canat full speed (=running, driving etc as fast as possible) He ran past us at full speed.runat/with lightning speed (=very quickly) He moved with his usual lightning speed.moveat breakneck speed (=very quickly) He drove away at breakneck speed.drivespeed + NOUNa speed limit The speed limit is 40 mph here.bea speed restriction New speed restrictions have been introduced.restrictionbeintroducea speed camera (=designed to photograph vehicles going too fast) Most GPS systems will warn you when there are speed cameras.systembecamera
speedverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesspeedspeedsspeededspedspeedingspeedspeed2 verb (past tense and past participle sped /sped/ or speeded)Word familyVerb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]FAST/QUICK to go quickly: The car sped along the dusty highway.speed2[transitive always + adverb/preposition]FAST/QUICK to take someone or something somewhere very quickly: An ambulance sped her to the hospital.speed3be speedingSPEED to be driving faster than the legal limit: I got caught speeding on the A40 yesterday.getcatchspeed4(also speed something ↔ up) [transitive] to make something happen faster OPP slow down: This news should speed his recovery.shallspeed by phrasal verb FAST/QUICKif time speeds by, it seems to pass very quickly: The weeks sped by and soon it was time to go back to school.weekspeedbespeed up phrasal verb FAST/QUICKto move or happen faster, or to make something move or happen faster OPP slow down: The truck speeded up going down the hill.speedgospeed something ↔ upThe new system will speed up the registration process.
noun [uncountable]Word family
1 a liquid that you put on a surface, using a brush to make the surface a particular colour: a can of blue paintWet paint (=used as a warning on signs when something has just been painted)The whole house could do with a fresh coat of paint.canpeeling/flaking paint (=old paint that is starting to come off the surface)All this room needs is a lick of paint (=paint used to make a place more attractive).needbe2
paints tubes or dry blocks of a coloured substance, used for painting pictures: acrylic and oil paintspaintCOLLOCATIONSphrasesa can/tin/pot of paint He had spilt a can of paint on the floor.havespilla tube of paint There was a painting on one of the easels and a table with his brushes and tubes of paint.bepainteaselbrushtubea layer of paint They removed the old layers of paint.removelayera coat of paint (=a layer of paint that is put on something) Walls usually need at least two coats of paint.walllittlecoata lick of paint informal (=a layer of paint used to make something more attractive) All she needed to do to the kitchen was give it a lick of paint.needbeadjectiveswhite/red/blue etc I decided to use white paint throughout the house.decidewet Careful – the paint is still wet.bedry Remove the tape when the paint is dry.befresh (=new - used especially about the smell of new paint) The place smelled of fresh paint and new carpets.smellcarpetpeeling/flaking paint (=starting to come off a surface because it is old) She lived in a gloomy old building with peeling paint on the walls.livebuildpeelwallverbsput paint on something Don’t put the paint on too thick.apply paint formal Clean the surface before applying the paint with a brush or roller.applyspray paint (=send paint out from a container in a stream of very small drops) Vandals had sprayed paint all over the walls.vandalhavespraywallstrip paint (=remove all the paint from a surface) We decided to strip the paint off the doors.decidedoorscrape off/away paint (=take most of the paint off a surface using a tool) Scrape off any loose or flaking paint and rub the surface with sandpaper.flakepaint dries Wait for the paint to dry.paint peels/flakes The paint was starting to peel off the window frame.bestart
paintverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespaintpaintspaintedpaintingpaintpaint2 S2 W3 verbWord familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: peint, past participle of peindre ‘to paint’, from Latin pingere Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to put paint on a surface:
The ceiling needs painting.needpaintbrightly painted housespainthousepaint something (in) blue/red/green etcWe painted the door blue.paintPaint the walls in a contrasting colour.wallcontrastThe living room was painted in pastel shades of pink and blue.livebepaintshade2[intransitive and transitive] to make a picture, design etc using paint: A white cross was painted on the door.bepaintTurner is famous for painting landscapes.bepaintlandscapepaint in oils/watercolours etc (=paint using a particular type of paint)He paints mainly in acrylics.paintacrylic3[transitive] to put a coloured substance on part of your face or body to make it different or more attractive: The children’s faces were painted to look like animals.childfacebepaintanimalShe’d painted her toenails with red nail polish.painttoenail4DESCRIBE[transitive] to describe someone or something in a particular waypaint somebody/something as somethingShe’s often been painted as a tough businesswoman.bepaintpaint a grim/rosy/gloomy picture of somebody/somethingDickens painted a grim picture of Victorian life.paintThe article painted him in a bad light (=described him in a way that made him seem bad).paint5paint the town (red) informal to go out to bars, clubs etc to enjoy yourself → not be as black as you are painted at black1(10)paint something ↔ out phrasal verb REMOVEto cover part of a picture or sign with paint so that it can no longer be seen: The name of the firm had been partially painted out.havebepaintpaint over something phrasal verb to cover a picture or surface with new paint: Much of the original decoration was painted over.bepaint
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Anglo-French
Origin: ben fet, from Latin bene factum, from bene factus; → BENEFACTION 1advantage [uncountable and countable]ADVANTAGE an advantage, improvement, or help that you get from something → beneficialbenefit of
the benefits of contact lensesbenefitlensI never had the benefit of a university education.haveThe new credit cards will be of great benefit to our customers.cardcustomerI hope that the decision taken today will be to the benefit of the whole nation.takefor sb’s benefitCould you just explain again for Mark’s benefit?canwithout the benefit of somethingMost motorists manage without the benefit of four-wheel drive.motorist2money from government [uncountable and countable] British EnglishMONEY money provided by the government to people who are sick, unemployed, or have little money SYN welfare American Englishunemployment/housing/child etc benefitYou might be entitled to housing benefit.entitlehouseon benefitfamilies on benefitfamilythose people eligible to claim benefit3extra things [countable usually plural]MONEY extra money or other advantages that you get as part of your job or from insurance that you have → perk: We offer an excellent benefits package.benefitmedical benefitsbenefit → fringe benefit4give somebody the benefit of the doubtBELIEVE to accept what someone tells you, even though you think they may be wrong or lying but you cannot be sure: The referee gave him the benefit of the doubt.give5with the benefit of hindsight/experience used to say it is easier to know the right thing to do after something has happened or if you have a lot of experience: He admitted that with the benefit of hindsight the original launch had not been large enough.admithavebe6benefit concert/performance/matchMONEY a concert, performance etc arranged to make money for charity: a benefit concert for famine reliefCOLLOCATIONSverbshave the benefit of something All the hotel rooms have the benefit of a balcony.roomget a benefit (also gain/derive a benefit formal) In this way, students will gain maximum benefit from their classes.studentclassenjoy the benefits You’ll enjoy all the benefits of being a member.benefitbereap the benefits (=enjoy the advantages of something you have worked hard to get) He was looking forward to reaping the benefits of all his hard work.belookreapbenefitbring/provide benefits The new bridge has brought considerable benefits.havebringbenefitsomething outweighs the benefits (=something is more important than the benefits) Make sure that the risks don’t outweigh the benefits.riskbenefitADJECTIVES/NOUN + benefita great/major/substantial benefit The new system will be a great benefit to the company.a real benefit To get some real benefit from the exercise, you should continue for at least half an hour.shalllittlea direct benefit The money sent has been of direct benefit to the islanders.sendhavebeislandera lasting benefit These plans are likely to result in lasting benefit to the whole of our district.planbelastthe full benefit of something They will have the full benefit of our facilities.facilityeconomic/social/environmental etc benefits Tourism has brought considerable economic benefits to the island.havebringbenefithealth benefits Just 30 minutes of moderate daily activity yields health benefits.minuteyieldbenefitmutual benefit (=something good for both people, companies etc involved) Our two companies are working together for mutual benefit.companybeworkpotential benefits The potential benefits of the scheme must be weighed against the costs involved.benefitweighcostinvolvefor your own benefit He used the money for his own benefit, instead of using it to help other people.useuseTHESAURUSadvantage a good feature that something has, which makes it better, more useful etc than other things: The great advantage of digital cameras is that there is no film to process.camerabebebenefit a feature of something that has a good effect on people’s lives: Regular exercise has many benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease.havebenefitincludereducemerit a good feature that something has, which you consider when you are deciding whether it is the best choice: The committee will consider the merits of the proposals.meritproposal | The merits and demerits of (=the good and bad features of)alternative funding systems were widely discussed in the newspapers.meritdemeritfundsystembediscussnewspaper | The chairman saw no great merit in this suggestion (=he did not think that it was a good idea).seevirtue an advantage that makes you believe that something is a good thing: They believed in the virtues of culture, civilization, and reason.believevirtue | He’s always extolling the virtues of hard work (=saying that hard work is a good thing).extolvirtuethe good/great/best thing about something especially spoken used when mentioning a good feature of something. This phrase is rather informal and you should not use it in formal essays: The good thing about cycling is that you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a traffic jam.cyclebegetstickthe beauty of something is that used when you want to emphasize that something has a very good or useful feature: The beauty of the plan is that it is so simple.bebe
benefitverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbenefitbenefitsbenefitedbenefittingbenefitbenefit2 S2 W3 AC verb (past tense and past participle benefited, present participle benefiting)Word familyVerb form [intransitive and transitive]ADVANTAGE if you benefit from something, or it benefits you, it gives you an advantage, improves your life, or helps you in some way: They are working together to benefit the whole community.beworkbenefit from/byMany thousands have benefited from the new treatment.benefitThey would benefit by reducing their labour costs.willreducecostbenefit greatly/enormously/considerably etcI’m sure you’ll benefit greatly from the visit.
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: gaderian Verb form1come together [intransitive and transitive]CROWDMEET to come together and form a group, or to make people do this:
A crowd gathered to watch the fight.gatherThousands of people gathered outside the embassy.gathergather around/roundGather round, everyone, so that you can see the screen.During the air raids, we gathered the children around us and sang songs.raidgatherchildsingsonggather togetherCould the bride’s family all gather together for a photo?canbe gatheredDozens of photographers were gathered outside Jagger’s villa.photographerbegather2know/think [intransitive, transitive not in progressive]FIND OUT to believe that something is true because of what you have seen or heard SYN understand: You two know each other, I gather.gather (that)I gather you’ve had some problems with our sales department.haveproblemsalefrom what I can gather/as far as I can gather (=this is what I believe to be true)She’s his niece, from what I can gather.3collect [intransitive and transitive] to get things from different places and put them together in one place: The researcher’s job is to gather information about people.beThey had gathered 440,000 signatures to support their demand.havegathersignaturegather up/togetherDebbie gathered up the clothes.gatherclothe4gather speed/force/momentum etcINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to move faster, become stronger, get more support etc: The cart gathered speed as it coasted down the hill.gathercoastThe international relief effort appears to be gathering momentum.appeargather5gather dustUSE STH if something gathers dust, it is not being used: books just gathering dust on the shelfbookgather6cloth [transitive] a)to pull material into small folds: The skirt is gathered at the waist.begather b)to pull material or a piece of clothing closer to you: Moira gathered her skirts round her and climbed the steps.gatherskirtclimbstep7gather yourself/your strength/your thoughtsPREPARE to prepare yourself for something you are going to do, especially something difficult: I took a few moments to gather my thoughts before going into the meeting.takemomentthoughtgomeet8clouds/darkness [intransitive] literaryINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to gradually become more cloudy or get darker: Storm clouds were gathering so we hurried home.cloudbegatherhurrythe gathering darkness/dusk/shadows etcthe evening’s gathering shadowsevengathershadow9gather somebody to you/gather somebody up literaryLOVEPROTECT to take someone into your arms and hold them in order to protect them or show them love
gathernounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesgathergathersgathergather2 noun [countable] a small fold produced by pulling cloth together
verb (past tense and past participle committed, present participle committing)
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: committere, from com- ( → COM-) + mittere ‘to send’ Verb form1CRIMEDOcrime [transitive] to do something wrong or illegal:
Women commit fewer crimes than men.womancrimemancommit murder/rape/arson etcBrady committed a series of brutal murders.commitmurder2commit suicide to kill yourself deliberately3commit adultery if a married person commits adultery, they have sex with someone who is not their husband or wife4SAY THAT SB WILL DO STHDOsay you will do something [intransitive and transitive] to say that someone will definitely do something or must do somethingcommit somebody to doing somethingHe has clearly committed his government to continuing down the path of economic reform.havecommitcontinuecommit somebody to somethingMeeting them doesn’t commit us to anything.meetcommit yourselfI’d committed myself and there was no turning back.commitbeturncommit yourself to (doing) somethingThe banks have committed themselves to boosting profits by slashing costs.bankcommitboostprofitslashcost5CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYrelationship [intransitive and transitive] to give someone your love or support in a serious and permanent way: Anna wants to get married, but Bob’s not sure he wants to commit.wantmarrywantcommit toHe has not yet committed to any of the candidates.havecommitcandidate6money/time [transitive]USE STH to decide to use money, time, people etc for a particular purposecommit something to somethingA lot of money has been committed to this project.havebecommit7for trial [transitive] British English to send someone to be tried in a court of law: The two men were committed for trial at Bristol Crown Court.manbecommit8prison/hospitalTELL/ORDER SB TO DO STH [transitive] to order someone to be put in a hospital or prisoncommit somebody to somethingThe judge committed him to prison for six months.commitmonth9commit something to memory formalREMEMBER to learn something so that you remember it SYN memorize10commit something to paper formalWRITE to write something down → committedCOLLOCATIONSnounscommit a crime/offence People who commit crimes end up in jail.crimecommit murder/rape/fraud etc The couple were accused of committing murder.beaccusecommitcommit a robbery She later admitted committing the robbery.lateadmitcommitcommit an act of violence/terrorism/aggression etc Anyone committing an act of terrorism will be severely punished.commitpunishcommit treason (=the crime of being disloyal to your country) He was accused of committing treason against the King of England.beaccusecommitcommit genocide (=the crime of attempting to kill a race of people) In some countries, genocide is being committed every day.countrybebecommitcommit an atrocity (=commit a terrible and violent act) During the civil war both sides committed numerous atrocities.sidecommitatrocitycommit a sin (=do something that is wrong according to your religion) He confessed to having committed the sin of adultery.confesshavecommitTHESAURUSdo to do something – used in the following phrases: do your work/homework etc: It usually takes me a couple of hours to do my homework.takehour | do the shopping/cooking/washing etc: She’s gone to the supermarket to do the shopping.goshop | do a test/experiment/some research: The doctor did some tests.dotest | Fraser spent some time in Egypt doing some archaeological research.spenddo | Scientists are doing research on two types of vaccine.scientistbedotype | do a course: Have you decided which course you want to do at university?decidemake to do something – used in the following phrases: make a speech: The Prince made a short speech.make | make a comment/suggestion/joke: Can I make a suggestion? | make a decision: The committee will meet to make their final decision. | make a mistake: I think someone has made a mistake.havemakegive to do something – used in the following phrases: give a talk/speech/lecture: They’ve asked him to give a talk.ask | give a performance: The band gave a brilliant performance.givetake to do something – used in the following phrases: take a test/exam: Kate’s taking her driving test tomorrow.takedrive | take a bath/shower: I think I’ll go and take a shower. | take a walk: Normally, he took a walk in the evenings.takeeveningcommit to do something that is a crime, especially a serious crime: commit a crime: The crime was committed in the early hours of the morning.becommithour | commit a robbery/murder etc: Dixon later admitted committing the robbery.lateadmitcommitcarry out something to do something – used in the following phrases: carry out your work: The violence is making it difficult for firefighters to carry out their work.bemakefirefighter | carry out a task/duty: He still managed to carry out his duties.manageduty | carry out a survey/test/some research: The hospital carries out research into skin diseases.carrydisease | carry out an operation: The operation was carried out at a hospital in Paris.becarry | carry out a threat/promise: They didn’t carry out their threat to kill the hostages.hostage | carry out sb’s orders/instructions/wishes: I’m sure I can rely on you to carry out my instructions.instructionperform to do something. Perform is more formal than carry out, and is used in the following phrases: perform a task/duty: The job mostly involves performing administrative tasks.involveperformtask | perform an operation: A team of surgeons performed the operation.surgeonperformconduct to do something – used in the following phrases: conduct a survey/study/experiment: They conducted a survey of approximately 2,000 people living in the area.conductlive | conduct an inquiry/investigation: The police are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.beconduct | conduct an interview: Knowing how to conduct a successful interview is a skill.knowbe | conduct a campaign: People were unimpressed by the way in which the election campaign was conducted.bebeconductgo about something to do your work or the things that you usually do, especially when something serious has happened: go about your work/business: The next day she went about her business as if nothing had happened.gohavehappenget on with something spoken especially British English to start doing something that you should have started already or to continue doing something that you stopped doing for a short time: I need to get on with my homework.be up to something spoken to be doing something that you think is probably bad, although you do not know exactly what it is: I’m sure they’re up to something. | What’s Jake up to? He’s been upstairs in his room all day.be
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of attrahere, from ad- ‘to’ + trahere ‘to pull’ Verb form1ATTRACTto make someone interested in something, or make them want to take part in somethingattract somebody to something
What attracted me most to the job was the chance to travel.attractbeattract attention/interest etcThe story has attracted a lot of interest from the media.haveattractmedium2be attracted to somebodyATTRACTED TO SB to feel that you like someone and want to have a sexual relationship with them: I’m not usually attracted to blondes.attractblonde3ATTRACTto make someone like or admire something or feel romantically interested in someone: I guess it was his eyes that attracted me first.beeyeattract4ATTRACTto make someone or something move towards another thing: Leftover food attracts flies.attractflylow rents designed to attract new businesses to the arearentdesignbusiness
verb (past tense and past participle referred, present participle referring)Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: referre ‘to bring back, report, refer’, from ferre ‘to carry’ Verb formrefer to somebody/something phrasal verb1MENTIONto mention or speak about someone or something:
We agreed never to refer to the matter again.agreeAlthough she didn’t mention any names, everyone knew who she was referring to.nameknowbereferrefer to somebody/something asHe likes to be referred to as ‘Doctor Khee’.likereferrefer to somebody/something byThe hospital now refers to patients by name, not case number.referpatientnumb2LOOK FORto look at a book, map, piece of paper etc for information: He gave the speech without referring to his notes.giverefernote3ABOUTif a statement, number, report etc refers to someone or something, it is about that person or thing: The figures refer to our sales in Europe.figuresale4SENDrefer somebody/something to somebody to send someone or something to a person or organization to be helped or dealt with: My doctor is referring me to a dermatologist.bereferMy complaint was referred to the manufacturers.berefermanufacturer5refer somebody to something formal to tell someone where to find information: Readers are referred to the bibliography for further information.readerbereferfar
adjectiveDate: 1600-1700Origin: Probably from → PINK22 1pale red:
bright pink lipstickHannah’s face went pink.go → shocking pink2[only before noun] British EnglishHOMOSEXUAL relating to people who are homosexual → be tickled pink at tickle1(3)
pinknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplespinkpinkspinkpink2 nounDate: 1500-1600Origin: Perhaps from pink eye ‘half-shut eye’, used as a name for the plant, from Dutch pink oogen ‘small eyes’ 1[uncountable and countable] a pale red colour:
Her room was decorated in bright pinks and purples.bedecoratepinkpurpleShe had arrived dressed in pink.havearrivedress2[countable] a garden plant with pink, white, or red flowers3in the pink old-fashionedHEALTHY in very good health
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: sceoppa ‘stall’ 1place where you buy things [countable] especially British EnglishSHOP/STORE a building or part of a building where you can buy things, food, or services SYN store American Englishtoy/pet/shoe/gift etc shop
Her brother runs a record shop in Chester.runa barber’s shopa fish-and-chip shopthe local shopsshopShirley saw her reflection in the shop window.seein the shopsNew potatoes are in the shops now.potatobeshopI’m just going down to the shops.goshopwander/browse around the shopsI spent a happy afternoon wandering around the shops.spendwandershop → bucket shop, corner shop, coffee shop2place that makes/repairs things [countable] a place where something is made or repaired: The generators are put together in the machine shop.generatorbea bicycle repair shop → shop floor, shop steward3school subject (also shop class) [uncountable] American English a subject taught in schools that shows students how to use tools and machinery to make or repair thingsin shopDoug made this table in shop.makewood/metal/print etc shopOne auto shop class is run just for girls.begirl4set up shop informalSTART DOING STH to start a business5shut up shop British English, close up shop American English informalSTOP DOING STH to close a shop or business, either temporarily or permanently6talk shop informalTALK TO SB to talk about things that are related to your work, especially in a way that other people find boring: I’m fed up with you two talking shop.feedtalk → shop talk7all over the shop British English spoken a)EVERYWHEREscattered around untidily: There were bits of paper all over the shop.bebit b)CONFUSEDconfused and disorganized: I’m all over the shop this morning.8go shopping [singular] British English spokenBUY an occasion when you go shopping, especially for food and other things you need regularly: She always does the weekly shop on a Friday.doTHESAURUSshop especially British English, store especially American English a building or place where things are sold: She's gone to the shops to get some milk.goshop | a clothes shopclothe | Our local store has sold out of sugar for making jam.havesellmakeboutique a small shop that sells fashionable clothes or other objects: a little boutique which specializes in bath products.specializeproductsuperstore British English a very large shop, especially one that is built outside the centre of a city: Out -of-town superstores have taken business away from shops in the city centre.superstoretakeshopdepartment store a very large shop that is divided into several big parts, each of which sells one type of thing, such as clothes, furniture, or kitchen equipment: He went around all the big department stores in Oxford Street.gostoresupermarket (also grocery store American English) a very large shop that sells food, drinks, and things that people need regularly in their homes: Supermarkets have cut down the number of plastic bags they distribute by 50%.supermarketnumbbagsalon a shop where you can get your hair washed, cut curled etcgarden centre British English, nursery especially American English a place that sells a wide range of plants, seeds, and things for your garden: Your local garden centre can advise you on which plants to grow.plantoutlet formal a shop that sells things for less than the usual price, especially things from a particular company or things of a particular type: The book is available from most retail outlets.beoutletmarket an area, usually outdoors, where people buy and sell many different types of things: I usually buy our vegetables at the market – they're much cheaper there.vegetablecheapmall especially American English a large area where there are a lot of shops, especially a large building: A new restaurant has opened at the mall.haveopen | We used to hang around together at the mall.usestrip mall American English a row of shops built together, with a large area for parking cars in front of it: Strip malls can seem rather impersonal.mall
shopverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshopshopsshoppedshoppingshopshop2 verb (past tense and past participle shopped, present participle shopping)Word familyVerb form1[intransitive]BUY to go to one or more shops to buy thingsshop forI usually shop for vegetables in the market.vegetableshop atShe always shops at Tesco’s.shop → window-shopping2go shopping (also be out shopping) to go to one or more shops to buy things, often for enjoyment: The next day, Saturday, we went shopping.goshopMum’s out shopping with Granny.shop3[transitive] British English informalTELL A SECRET to tell the police about someone who has done something illegal: He was shopped by his ex-wife.beshopshop around phrasal verb BUYCHOOSEto compare the price and quality of different things before you decide which to buyshop around forTake time to shop around for the best deal.well
noun [countable]
1shop a place where goods are sold to the public. In British English, a store is large and sells many different things, but in American English, a store can be large or small, and sell many things or only one type of thing. → shop: At Christmas the stores stay open late.storeshoe/clothing/grocery etc store American English (=one that sells one type of goods)She worked in a grocery store before going to college.workgogo to the store American English (=go to a store that sells food)I need to go to the store for some milk. → chain store, department store, general store2supplyPROVIDE a supply of something that you keep to use laterstore ofa store of woodfat stores in the body (=that your body keeps)store3place to keep thingsSHOP/STORE a large building in which goods are kept so they can be used or sold later: a grain store4in store (for somebody)FUTURE if something unexpected such as a surprise or problem is in store for someone, it is about to happen to them: There’s a real treat in store for you this Christmas!As we left, I wondered what the future held in store.leavewonderhold5military stores [plural] a)supplies of food and equipment that are used by an army, navy etc: medical storesstore b)the building or room in an army camp, ship etc where these are kept6set great/considerable etc store by somethingIMPORTANT to consider something to be important: Patrick has never set much store by material things.havething
storeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstorestoresstoredstoringstorestore2 S3 W3 verb [transitive]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: estorer ‘to build, supply, store’, from Latin instaurare ‘to make new, restore’ Verb form1KEEP/STOREto put things away and keep them until you need themstore something away/up
Squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.squirrelbestorenutStore the beans in an airtight jar.bean2PUTto keep facts or information in your brain or a computer: Standard letters can be stored on floppy discs.letterstoredisc3store up trouble/problems etcPROBLEM to behave in a way that will cause trouble for you later: Smokers may be storing up disease for their unborn children.smokerstorechildTHESAURUSkeep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily: Where do you keep the scissors?scissor | The keys are kept in my office.keybekeepstore to put things away and keep them until you need them: Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.villagerbeginstoresave to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future: He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion.havebesave | We can save the rest of the pie for later.latefile to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular place: All the contracts are filed alphabetically.contractbefilecollect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interesting: Kate collects old postcards.collectpostcardhold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to use: Medical records are now usually held on computers.recordbeholdcomputerreserve formal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cooking: Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.decoratehoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other people: People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack.behoardbe | Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.rationproductbeintroducehoard
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: glæs 1transparent material [uncountable] a transparent solid substance used for making windows, bottles etc:
a glass bowla piece of broken glassbreakpane/sheet of glass (=a flat piece of glass with straight edges)the cathedral’s stained glass windowsstainwindow2
for drinking [countable] a container used for drinking made of glass → cupwine/brandy/champagne etc glassNigel raised his glass in a toast to his son.raise3amount of liquid [countable] the amount of a drink contained in a glassglass ofShe poured a glass of wine.pour4
for eyes glasses [plural] two pieces of specially cut glass or plastic in a frame, which you wear in order to see more clearly SYN spectacles: He was clean-shaven and wore glasses.bewearglassI need a new pair of glasses.glassdistance/reading glasses → dark glasses, field glassesGrammarGlasses is plural, even when it refers to a single object. Do not say 'a glasses’: She’s got nice (NOT a nice) glasses.getglass5glass objects [uncountable] objects which are made of glass, especially ones used for drinking and eating: a priceless collection of Venetian glass6people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stonesCRITICIZE used to say that you should not criticize someone for having a fault if you have the same fault yourself7somebody sees the glass as half-empty/half-full used to say that a particular person is more likely to notice the good parts or the bad parts of a situation8under glass plants that are grown under glass are protected from the cold by a glass cover9mirror [countable] old-fashioned a mirror10the glass old-fashioned a barometer → cut glass, ground glass, looking glass, magnifying glass, plate glass, safety glass, stained glass, → raise your glass at raise1(16)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1ADJECTIVES/NOUN + glassbroken glass She cleaned up the broken glass with a dustpan and brush.cleanbreakstained glass (=glass of different colours used in windows) He designed the stained glass windows of Coventry Cathedral.designstainwindowtinted glass (=coloured rather than completely transparent) The car had tinted glass.havetintfrosted glass (=glass with a rough surface so that it is not transparent) The bathroom windows were made of frosted glass.windowbemakefrostclear glass (=that you can see through rather than being coloured) The drink comes in clear glass bottles.comebottleplate glass (=big pieces of glass made in large thick sheets, used especially in shop windows) Vandals smashed a plate glass window.vandalsmashsafety glass (=strong glass that breaks into small pieces that are not sharp) The company makes safety glass for car windows.makewindowglass + NOUNa glass bottle/bowl/vase etc Glass bottles can be recycled very easily.bottlerecyclea glass window/door The doors had two round glass windows in them.doorhavewindowphrasesa piece of glass He cut his foot on a piece of glass.a shard/splinter of glass (=a sharp piece of broken glass) People were injured by shards of glass following the explosion.beinjureshardfollowa fragment of glass (=a small piece of glass that has broken off) Fragments of glass covered the floor near the broken window.fragmentcoverbreaka pane of glass (=a piece of glass used in a window) There was a broken pane of glass in the kitchen window.bebreaka sheet of glass (=a piece of flat glass) Sheets of glass were used as shelves.sheetbeuseshelveverbsglass breaks This type of glass doesn’t break easily.glass shatters (=break into small pieces) When glass shatters, it leaves jagged edges.shatterleaveedgeglass cracks Glass will crack if too much pressure is put on it.beCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 4verbswear glasses I didn’t know you wore glasses.wearglassput on your glasses He put on his glasses and read through the instructions.glassinstructiontake off/remove your glasses Elsie took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.takeglassrubeyewipe/clean your glasses Harry wiped his glasses with the corner of a handkerchief.wipeglassbreak your glasses I broke my glasses when I accidentally sat on them.breakglasssitphrasesa pair of glasses She was wearing a new pair of glasses.bewearglassADJECTIVES/NOUN + glassesdark glasses (=sunglasses) She wore a scarf over her head and dark glasses.wearglassreading glasses (=for reading) She looked at him over the frames of her reading glasses.lookframereadglassdistance glasses (=for seeing things that are not close to you) Without her distance glasses she couldn't see his expression.glasstinted glasses (=with coloured glass) He always wore a pair of tinted glasses.weartintglasssteel-/horn-/gold-rimmed glasses (=with frames made of steel etc) He was a thin little guy with gold-rimmed glasses.berimglassthick glasses (=with lenses that are thick) She peered up at them through thick glasses.peerglass
glassverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesglassglassesglassedglassingglassglass2 verbVerb formglass something ↔ in phrasal verb British English to cover something with glass, or to build a glass structure around something
prepositionDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: ‘more’ (adjective and adverb) 1COUNT/CALCULATEused to show that one number or amount is added to another OPP minus:
Three plus six equals nine (3 + 6 = 9).equalThe total cost was $10,000, plus 14% interest.be2AND/ALSOand also: There are numerous clubs, plus a casino.beclub3plus or minus used to say that a number may be more or less by a certain amount: There may be a variation of plus or minus 5% in the prices that are quoted.pricebequote
plusnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesplusplusesplusplus2 AC noun [countable]1informalADVANTAGE something that is an advantagemajor/definite/big etc plusSome knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job.be2COUNT/CALCULATEa plus sign OPP minus
plusadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesplusplusplus3 AC adjective1ADVANTAGE[only before noun] used to talk about an advantage or good feature of a thing or situation OPP minus: Another of the Beach Club’s plus points is that it’s right in the middle of town.pointbeThis is not an exciting car to drive, but on the plus side it is extremely reliable.beexcitebe2MORE THAN A NUMBER OR AMOUNTused after a number to mean an amount which is more than that number: an income of $50,000 plusMost children start school when they’re five plus.child3MORE THAN A NUMBER OR AMOUNTmore than zero – used especially when talking about temperatures OPP minus: Daytime temperatures barely reached plus 5º.temperaturereach4A plus/B plus etc a mark used in a system of judging students’ work. An ‘A plus’ is slightly higher than an ‘A’.
plusconjunctionCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplesplusplusplus4 conjunction informal AND/ALSOused to add more information: He’s been studying hard for exams. Plus he’s been working in a bar at night.bestudyexambework
verb
Date: 1300-1400Origin: Probably from the sound Verb form1CAR/PLANE ETCcar/plane etc [intransitive and transitive] to have an accident in a car, plane etc by violently hitting something else → collide:
The jet crashed after take-off.crashcrash into/onto etcThe plane crashed into a mountain.crashcrash a car/bus/plane etcHe was drunk when he crashed the car.bedrinkcrash2HIT STH/SB HARDhit somebody/something hard [I, T always + adv/prep]HIT/BUMP INTO to hit something or someone extremely hard while moving, in a way that causes a lot of damage or makes a lot of noisecrash into/through etcA brick crashed through the window.crashWe watched the waves crashing against the rocks.watchwavecrashrockThe plates went crashing to the ground.plategocrashgrindA large branch came crashing down.comecrash3MAKE A LOUD NOISEloud noise [intransitive]SOUND to make a sudden loud noise: Thunder crashed and boomed outside.crashboom4COMPUTERcomputer [intransitive and transitive] if a computer crashes, or if you crash the computer, it suddenly stops working: The system crashed and I lost three hours’ worth of work.crashlosehour5FINANCIALfinancial [intransitive] if a stock market or shares crash, they suddenly lose a lot of value6sport [intransitive] British English to lose very badly in a sports event: Liverpool crashed to their worst defeat of the season.crashill7SLEEPsleep [intransitive] spoken a)SLEEPto stay at someone’s house for the night: Can I crash at your place on Saturday night? b)SLEEP (also crash out) to go to bed, or go to sleep very quickly, because you are very tired: I crashed out on the sofa this afternoon.crash8party [transitive]INVITE informal to go to a party that you have not been invited to: We crashed Joe’s party yesterday.crash9crashing boreBORING British English old-fashioned someone who is very boringTHESAURUScrash verb [intransitive and transitive] to hit another vehicle, a tree, the ground etc, with a lot of force, causing a lot of damage: The plane crashed a kilometre from the runway.crash | He was scared I’d crash his car.bescare | The car crashed into a tree.crashhit verb [transitive] to move into something quickly and with force: He wasn’t paying attention, and almost hit another car.pay | The car hit a lamppost.collide verb [intransitive] if two cars, trains, planes etc collide, they hit each other, especially when they are moving in opposite directions: The two planes collided in mid-air.planecollide | An express train collided with a freight train in the morning rush hour.colliderun into something phrasal verb [transitive] to hit a vehicle or object that is directly in front of you, especially because you are not paying attention: He ran into the car in front while he was talking on his mobile phone.runbetalksmash into something phrasal verb [transitive] to crash into something, causing a great amount of damage: An army helicopter smashed into the side of the mountain.smashplough into British English, plow into American English phrasal verb [transitive] to crash into something with a lot of force, especially when your vehicle continues moving afterwards: The bus went out of control and ploughed into a line of traffic.goploughram verb [transitive] to deliberately hit another boat or vehicle very hard, especially when it is not moving: The ship had been rammed by a submarine.haveberam | The gunmen tried to ram the police car.gunmantry
crashnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrashcrashescrashcrash2 S3 noun [countable]1HIT/BUMP INTOan accident in which a vehicle violently hits something else → collisionplane/car/rail crashForty-one people were killed in a plane crash.bekilla fatal crash (=one in which someone is killed)crash between/withShe was involved in a head-on crash with a motorbike (=in which the front of one vehicle directly hits the front of another).beinvolvea motorway crash between a coach and a lorrya crash victim2SOUNDa sudden loud noise made by something falling, breaking etc: I heard a loud crash.hearwith a crashThe branch came down with a crash.comecrash ofa crash of thunder3an occasion when a computer or computer system suddenly stops working4an occasion on which the stocks and shares in a stock market suddenly lose a lot of value: the stock market crash of October 1987COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + crash a car/train/plane etc crash He was badly hurt in a car crash.bea road/rail/air crash There will be an investigation into the cause of the air crash.a head-on crash (=in which the front part of two vehicles hit each other) He died in a head-on crash with a lorry.diea fatal crash (=in which someone is killed) There have been several fatal crashes on this road.becrasha high-speed crash the risk of injury from a high-speed crasha horrific/terrible/appalling crash a horrific crash in which three teenage boys were killedboybekillverbshave a crash (also be involved in a crash) (=in a car) I’ve been nervous about driving since I had a crash last year.bedrivehavea crash happens/occurs The three-vehicle crash happened on the corner of Ongar Road.happena crash involves something Two women were taken to hospital after a crash involving a bus and a car.womanbetakeinvolvecrash + NOUNa crash victim (=someone injured or killed in a crash) Families of the crash victims want to know what happened.familyvictimhappena crash site/scene (=place where a crash happens) The authorities closed off a five-mile area around the crash site.authorityclosea crash investigator (=someone who tries to find the cause of a crash) Crash investigators spent several days examining the scene.investigatorspenddayexamine
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: enjoir, from Latin gaudere ‘to show great happiness’ Verb form1ENJOY/LIKE DOING STHto get pleasure from something:
Sandra enjoys her job in the city.enjoyI enjoyed every minute of it.enjoyenjoy doing somethingYoung children enjoy helping around the house.childhelpenjoy yourself (=be happy in a particular situation)Julia was just starting to enjoy herself.bestart ► Enjoy always has an object and is never followed by a preposition or an infinitive with ‘to’: Did you enjoy it (NOT Did you enjoy)? | I enjoyed my trip (NOT I enjoyed to/with my trip). | He enjoys playing football (NOT He enjoys to play football).2HAVE formal to have a particular ability or advantage: These workers enjoy a high level of job security.worker3enjoy! spokenEAT used to say that you hope someone gets pleasure from something you give them: Here’s your steak – enjoy!
adverb1[sentence adverb]ESPECIALLY used to emphasize that something is more important or happens more with one particular thing than with others SYN particularly: I never liked long walks, especially in winter.likewalkArt books are expensive to produce, especially if they contain colour illustrations.bookbeillustration2[+ adjective/adverb]ESPECIALLY to a particularly high degree or much more than usual SYN particularly: I was especially fond of chocolate biscuits.bebiscuitFeedback is especially important in learning skills.belearnskillA depreciation of the dollar would make US exports cheaper and especially so in Japan.willexportcheapGraphics are especially well handled in the book.graphicbehandle3ESPECIALLYfor a particular person, purpose etcespecially forShe bought a new pair of trainers especially for the trip.buytrainer4not especially not very, or not very much: Accidents aren’t especially common, but you never know.accidentHe didn’t especially want to learn to dance.GrammarDo not use especially before the subject of a sentence to emphasize it. Put especially after the subject: Older voters especially (NOT Especially older voters) are concerned about crime.oldvoteroldvoterbeconcernTHESAURUSespecially/particularly used when you want to emphasize that something concerns or affects one person or thing more than others, or is true about a particular situation more than others: This disease mostly affects women, particularly older women.affectwomanoldwoman | Paris is always full of tourists, especially in the summer.betourist | It’s not easy to receive compliments, especially if you’re not used to them.complimentuse | The surface is very slippery, particularly when it has been raining.behaveberainspecially spoken especially: I like parks, specially when they’ve got lakes.parkgetlake | You have to be careful what you say, specially if there are children listening.bechildlistenin particular especially – used before or after a noun. Often used in the phrases anyone/anything/anywhere in particular and someone/something/somewhere in particular: Mary loves most classical music, in particular Bach and Vivaldi.love | Kids in particular will love this show.kid | Is there anything in particular you would like to eat?bewill | Was there someone in particular you were hoping to meet?bebehopenotably formal used for saying someone or something is an important example of what you are talking about: The use of illegal drugs – notably marijuana – has increased in recent years.drughaveincreaseyear | A number of respected philosophers, most notably Leibniz, criticized Newton’s theories.numbrespectphilosophercriticizetheoryabove all used for emphasizing that something is more important than all the other things you have mentioned: Get plenty of sleep, eat lots of good food, and above all try to relax.lotmost of all more than anything or anyone else: Swimming and soccer are fun, but I like dancing most of all.swimbedance | Out of everybody at school she was the person who helped me most of all.behelp
adjective1COUNT/CALCULATEthe average amount is the amount you get when you add together several quantities and divide this by the total number of quantities: The age of the candidates ranged from 29 to 49 with an average age of 37.candidaterangeThe average cost of making a movie has risen by 15%.makehaveriseLast winter was colder than average.becoldThe cars were being sold at an average price of $11,000.carbebesell2USUALLYan average amount or quantity is not unusually big or small: They have an average-size front garden and a large rear garden.of average height/build/intelligence etcHe was in his late twenties and of average height.betwenty3ORDINARYhaving qualities that are typical of most people or things: The average American has not even thought about next year’s election.havethinkIn an average week I drive about 250 miles.mil4GOOD/EXCELLENTneither very good nor very badTHESAURUSnormal usual, typical, and as you would expect it to be: Is this cold weather normal for the time of year?be | It had been another normal working day in the office.havebeworkordinary (also regular especially American English) not special, unusual, or different from normal: They lived in an ordinary three-bedroomed house.live | It looks like an ordinary car, but it uses solar power.lookuse | Would you like a regular salad or a Caesar salad?will | I just want an ordinary bicycle, not a mountain bike.average [only before noun] around the usual level or amount: She is of average height.be | He is of above average intelligence.be | The average price of a pint of milk has gone up.havegostandard normal – used about methods of doing something, or about the size, shape, features etc of products: It’s standard practice to X-ray hand-baggage at most airports.airport | We stock shoes in all the standard sizes.shoesizeroutine used about things that are done regularly as part of a series of things: The fault was discovered during a routine check of the plane.bediscover | routine tasks such as shopping and cookingtaskshopcookeveryday [only before noun] used about things that happen or that you use as part of normal life: He painted scenes of everyday life in France.paintscene | Sally was still dressed in her everyday clothes.bedressclothecommon used about birds and plants that are of the most usual type, and in the phrase the common people (=people who are not rich and powerful): the common goldfish | an alliance between the aristocracy and the common peopleconventional [only before noun] of the kind that is usually used – used when comparing this with a different or special type: The engine is more efficient than a conventional diesel engine.be | the drugs used in conventional medicinedruguse | conventional weapons (=not nuclear, chemical, or biological)weapon | conventional ovens and microwavesovenmicrowave
averagenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaverageaveragesaverageaverage2 S2 nounDate: 1700-1800Origin: average ‘(fair sharing out of costs resulting from) damage to or loss of a ship or the goods it carries’ (15-20 centuries), from French avarie, from Arabic 'awariyah ‘damaged goods’ 1[countable]COUNT/CALCULATE the amount calculated by adding together several quantities, and then dividing this amount by the total number of quantitiesaverage of
The average of 3, 8, and 10 is 7.beEach person raised an average of £60 to plant an acre of trees.raisetreeThe December figures brought the annual average for 2001 up to 10.6 per cent.figurebring2on averageUSUALLY based on a calculation about how many times something usually happens, how much money someone usually gets, how often people usually do something etc: On average, men still earn more than women.manwomanNearly 80% of Swiss citizens on average turn out to vote.citizen3[uncountable and countable]GOOD/EXCELLENT the usual level or amount for most people or things: Streets in the town centre are wider than the average.streetbewideabove/below averageThe school’s eighth-graders are above average in science.graderbeThe murder rate in the city has risen to four times the national average.haverisetime → law of averages at law(9)
averageverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaverageaveragesaveragedaveragingaverageaverage3 verbVerb form1USUALLY[linking verb] to usually do something or usually happen a particular number of times, or to usually be a particular size or amount: The water in the lake is not particularly deep, averaging about 12 metres.beaveragemetreThe airport averages about a thousand flights a month.averageflightInflation averaged just under 2.8% per year.average2COUNT/CALCULATE[transitive] to calculate the average of figures: The rate of growth was averaged over a period of three years.beaverageyearaverage out phrasal verb1RESULTif something averages out at a particular figure, it has that figure as an average over a period of timeaverage out atTraining costs for last year averaged out at £5,100 per trainee.traincostaverageThe government’s share of the cost was intended to average out at 25%.beintend2COUNT/CALCULATEaverage something ↔ out to calculate the average of something: I averaged out the total increase at about 10%.average
nounWord family
1 [countable]ARGUE a situation in which two or more people disagree, often angrilyargument withShe had a big argument with her husband.haveargument about/overThere have been a lot of arguments about who was responsible for the accident.beargumentbe2[countable]REASON a set of reasons that show that something is true or untrue, right or wrong etc: We need to provide a convincing argument as to why the system should be changed.convinceshallchangeargument for/againsta powerful argument against smokingsmokeA good argument can be made for comparing the IT revolution with the invention of writing itself.makecomparewriteargument in favour of the arguments in favour of banning tobacco advertisingargumentbanadvertiseargument thatthe familiar argument that the costs outweigh the benefitscostbenefit3[uncountable]DISAGREE when you disagree with something or question whether it is rightdo something without (further) argumentIan accepted the suggestion without argument.acceptfor the sake of argument (=in order to discuss all the possibilities)If, for the sake of argument, you aren’t offered the job, what will you do?offerCOLLOCATIONSverbshave an argument I could hear my parents having an argument downstairs.canparenthaveget into an argument/become involved in an argument She didn’t want to get into another argument about money. | I left to avoid becoming involved in an argument.leavebecomeinvolvestart/cause an argument He was deliberately trying to start an argument.betry | Money often causes arguments.causeargumentavoid an argument I was anxious to avoid an argument.bewin/lose an argument The party hopes to win the argument about how to reform the health system.hope | The first one who resorts to violence is usually the one who’s lost the argument.resortbelosean argument breaks out (=it starts) The men were drunk and an argument soon broke out.manbedrinkbreakan argument erupts (=a big argument suddenly starts) A bitter argument erupted between the brothers over who should inherit the money.eruptbrothershalladjectivesa big/huge/massive argument There was a big argument about whether we should move to a new house.beshalla heated argument (=involving very strong feelings) Someone was having a heated argument with a police officer.behaveheata bitter argument There are bitter arguments about whether he was a hero or a war criminal.beargumentbea furious/fierce argument As soon as she had gone a furious argument broke out.havegobreaka violent argument The singer was hurt in a violent argument with her husband.beTHESAURUSargument a situation in which people speak angrily to each other because they disagree about something: an argument between two drivers over who had right of waydriverhave | A 29-year-old man was shot and killed today after an argument over a gambling debt.beshootkillgamblerow British English, fight especially American English a loud angry argument with someone, especially your boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone in your family. Row is also used about a serious disagreement between politicians about important public issues: There were always fights between my parents.befightparent | the continuing row over tax increasescontinueincrease | A few months ago they had a big row, and Steve drove off and spent the weekend in London.monthhavedrivespenddisagreement a situation in which people disagree with each other, but without shouting or getting angry: There were the occasional disagreements about money, but mostly we got on well.bedisagreementget | Ginny had left the company after a disagreement with her boss.haveleavequarrel especially British English an argument, especially one in which people get angry and that lasts a long time. Quarrel sounds more formal and more serious than argument or row: a bitter family quarrelfeud /fjuːd/ a very bitter argument between two groups, especially families, which lasts for many years and causes people to hate each other: The feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys raged for 20 years.rageyeardispute a public or legal argument about something, especially one which continues for a long time: Morris has been involved in a long legal dispute with his publisher.havebeinvolve | The settlement will resolve a long-running dispute over the country’s nuclear program.runwar/battle of words an argument in which two people or groups criticize each other continuously in public: The war of words over construction delays at the airport has erupted again.worddelayhaveeruptbust-up British English informal a very bad argument, especially one in which people decide to separate from each other: He had a bust-up with the team manager.haveshouting match an angry argument in which people shout at each other: He got into a shouting match with another driver.getshoutslanging match British English informal an argument in which people insult each other: He was sacked after a slanging match with a colleague.besackan argument that is not very serioussquabble /ˈskwɒbəl $ ˈskwɑː-/ an argument about something that is not important: There were the usual squabbles between brothers and sisters.besquabblebrothersister | Voters are tired of petty squabbles between party leaders.voterbetiresquabbleleadertiff informal an argument that is not very serious, between people who are in love: Gary had a bit of a tiff with his girlfriend.havebitemisunderstanding a slight argument – a rather formal word which is often used humorously: There was a slight misunderstanding over the bill, but everything’s been sorted out now.bemisunderstandbesortskirmish a short argument, especially between politicians or sports opponents: Evans and O'Brien had several political skirmishes.haveskirmish
noun [countable]Date: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: schema ‘arrangement, figure’, from Greek, from echein ‘to have, hold, be in a condition’ 1British EnglishPLAN an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training SYN program American English:
The money will be used for teacher training schemes.usetrainschemea pension schemescheme forschemes for two new cross-city linesschemelinescheme to do somethinga new scheme to boost exportsexportpilot scheme (=something that is done on a small scale in order to see if it is successful enough to be done on a larger scale)The pilot scheme proved to be a great success.prove2PLANa clever plan, especially to do something that is bad or illegal – used in order to show disapproval: a get-rich-quick schemescheme to do somethinga scheme to pass false chequescheque3SYSTEMa system that you use to organize information, ideas etc → schematic: a classification scheme4in the scheme of thingsSITUATION in the way things generally happen, or are organized: the unimportance of man in the whole scheme of thingsthing → colour schemeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + scheme a major scheme The government is introducing a major housebuilding scheme in the area.beintroducea new scheme The new scheme aims to reduce street crime by 30%.aiman innovative scheme (=using new ideas) an innovative scheme to help the unemployed get back to worka grand scheme (=trying to achieve a lot) In the end, the government’s grand scheme came to nothing.comea pilot scheme (=one that is tried on a small scale first to see if it is a good idea) The programme was introduced into 100 primary schools in a very successful pilot scheme.beintroduceschoola training scheme The company runs an apprentice training scheme.runtraina pension scheme Does your employer offer a pension scheme?doa compensation/bonus etc scheme (=in which people receive compensation, a bonus etc) a new compensation scheme for accident victimsvictiman incentive scheme (=in which people receive money to persuade them to work harder) There is a generous incentive scheme for the sales force.besaleverbsintroduce/launch a scheme The scheme was launched last autumn by the company’s education officer.belaunchrun/operate a scheme Parent volunteers help run the scheme.volunteerbe covered by a scheme (=be able to benefit from a scheme) All employees are covered by the new bonus scheme.employeebecoverTHESAURUSplan a set of actions for achieving something in the future, especially a set of actions that has been considered carefully and in detail: Leaders outlined a plan to end the fighting.leaderoutlinefightplot/conspiracy a secret plan to do something bad or illegal, made by a group of people: There was a plot to assassinate the President.be | a terrorist conspiracyscheme British English an official plan that is intended to help people: The government has introduced a new scheme to help young people find work.haveintroducestrategy a carefully designed plan which is intended to achieve a particular purpose over a long period of time: the company’s business strategy | The government’s economic strategy has been criticized by many experts.havebecriticizeexpert | We need to develop effective strategies for combating the sale of counterfeit goods.strategycombatgoodinitiative a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular aim: a peace initiative | a major new initiative to tackle street crimepolicy a plan that members of a government, political party, company etc agree on, that states how they intend to deal with a particular subject or problem: the government’s immigration policy | It’s company policy to allow people to work from home.programme British English, program American English a series of activities that a government or organization organizes, which aims to achieve something important and will continue for a long time: a five-year programme which will create 2000 new jobsjob | federal programs for low-income housingprogramhouse
schemeverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesschemeschemesschemedschemingschemescheme2 AC verb [intransitive]Verb form PLANto secretly make clever and dishonest plans to get or achieve something SYN plotscheme to do somethingShe schemed to kill him with poison.schemescheme againstHe became aware that people were scheming against him and called an emergency meeting.becomebeschemecallmeetShe’s nothing but a lying, scheming little monster!liescheme—schemerschemer noun [countable]
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: reveler, from Latin revelare ‘to uncover’, from velum; → VEIL1 Verb form1TELL A SECRETto make known something that was previously secret or unknown OPP conceal:
He may be prosecuted for revealing secrets about the security agency.prosecuterevealsecreta test that can reveal a teacher’s hidden skillshideskillreveal (that)He revealed that he had been in prison twice before.revealhavebereveal yourself (as/to be something)The violinist revealed himself as a talented interpreter of classical music.reveal2SHOW/LET SB SEE STHto show something that was previously hidden OPP conceal: The curtain opened to reveal the grand prize.openTHESAURUSreveal to let someone know about something that is secret or has not been known until now: Doctors are not allowed to reveal confidential information.doctorbeallow | It was revealed that he had smoked marijuana at college.berevealhavesmoketell to talk about something to someone, so that they know about it: Don’t tell anyone about this just yet. | Shall I tell you a secret?disclose formal to publicly reveal something such as a fact or a name that has been kept secret: The terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.termbedisclose | The agent did not disclose that there had been a violent crime in the house.dohavebedivulge //daɪˈvʌldʒ, də-// formal to reveal important or personal information which was previously secret or unknown: The bank has refused to divulge its plans.haverefuseplan | I’m afraid I cannot divulge what was said to me.besaymake something public to tell people about important information, especially after it has been kept secret: Apparently they were engaged for some time before making it public.beengagemake | The government has agreed that sources of financing should in future be made public.haveagreesourcefinanceshallmakeleak to deliberately give secret information to a newspaper, television company etc, when a government or other organization wants to keep it secret: The contents of the email were leaked to the press.contentbeleak | A man was charged today with leaking official secrets.bechargeleaksecretgive something away (also spill the beans informal) to tell someone something that you want to keep secret: He was careful not to give away any trade secrets.besecret | I’m not going to give away how much I paid for it!gopaylet slip informal to accidentally tell someone about something: He let slip that he was envious of his older brother.beold
verb
Word familyVerb form1words a)[intransitive and transitive] to produce words, numbers, or pictures on paper, using a machine which puts ink onto the surface: I need to make a few changes before I print the document.changeThe company’s name was printed in bold letters across the top of the page.beprintlettera printed letterprintThe printer’s switched on but it won’t print.switchwinAs a newspaper publisher he understood the power of the printed word (=words that are printed on paper).understandprint b)[intransitive] when a computer document prints, a printed copy of it is produced: Press return, then the document should print.shall2books/newspapers [transitive] to produce many printed copies of a book, newspaper etc: Over five million copies of the paper are printed every day.copybeprintWhen the book was first written no publisher would print it.bewritewill3in a newspaper [transitive] to print a report of something or a letter, speech etc in a newspaper or magazine SYN publish: ‘The Express’ was the first paper to print the story.be‘The Telegraph’ has printed numerous articles on this subject over the last three years.haveprintarticleyearI wrote to the newspaper but my letter wasn’t printed.writeprint4photograph [transitive] to produce a photograph from a photographic film: It usually takes a couple of hours for the pictures to be developed and printed.takehourpicturedevelopprint5cloth [transitive] to decorate cloth with a pattern that is put all over its surface by a machine: a skirt printed with brightly coloured flowersprintcolourflowera printed silk shirtprint6write [intransitive and transitive]WRITE to write words by hand without joining the letters: Please print your name clearly in the top right-hand corner of the page.7make a mark [transitive]MARK to make a mark on a surface or in a soft substance by pressing something on to itprint something on/in somethingThe mark of the man’s shoe was printed in the mud.beprint → a licence to print money at licence(6)print something ↔ off/out phrasal verb to produce a printed copy of a computer document: Could you print a copy off for me?canI’ll print the file out and then we can look at it.
printnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprintprintsprintprint2 W3 noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: preinte, from preint, past participle of preindre ‘to press’, from Latin premere 1books/newspapers [uncountable] writing that has been printed, for example in books or newspapers:
There was no print at all on the backs of the tickets.bebackticketin print (=printed in a book, newspaper etc)It must be really exciting to see your work in print.excitethe pleasure of seeing my name in printseeVery little of his poetry actually got into print (=was printed).get2be in print if a book is in print, new copies of it are still being printed: After fifty years, the book is still in print.yearbe3be out of print if a book is out of print, it is no longer being printed and you cannot buy new copies4letters [uncountable] the letters in which something is printed: The book is also available in large print.beThe print quality of the new printer is excellent.be5the small/fine printDETAIL the details of a legal document, which are often printed in very small writing: Always read the small print before signing anything.sign6mark [countable]MARK a mark that is made on a surface by something that has been pressed onto it: His feet left deep prints in the soft soil.footleaveprint7prints [plural]MARK the marks that are made by the pattern of lines on the ends of your fingers SYN fingerprints: The police found a set of prints on the car door.findprint8cloth [uncountable and countable] cloth, especially cotton, on which a coloured pattern has been printed: a lovely selection of floral printsprintShe was wearing a cotton print dress.bewear9photograph [countable] a photograph that has been produced from a film: Why don’t you order an extra set of prints?printa colour print10picture [countable] a)a picture that is made by cutting lines onto a piece of metal or wood and then printing it onto paper b)a copy of a painting that is produced by taking a photograph of it and printing it onto paper
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: feolaga ‘partner’ 1old-fashionedMAN a man:
Paul’s an easy-going sort of fellow.go2sb’s fellows British English old-fashionedWITH people that you work with, study with, or who are in the same situation as you: Wooderson’s courage earned him the respect of his fellows.earnfellow3American English a graduate student who has a fellowship in a university4especially British EnglishMEMBER a member of an important society or a college: She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.besurgeon → bedfellow
fellowadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfellowfellowfellow2 W3 adjective1fellow workers/students/countrymen etcWITH people that you work with, study with, or who are in the same situation as you2our fellow man/menPERSON/PEOPLE other people in general: We all have obligations to our fellow men.obligationman
noun (plural facilities)1facilities [plural]SERVICES rooms, equipment, or services that are provided for a particular purpose: All rooms have private facilities (=private bathroom and toilet).roomfacilityThe hotel has its own pool and leisure facilities.havefacilitytoilet facilitiesfacilitychildcare facilitiesfacility2[countable usually singular]DO a special part of a piece of equipment or a system which makes it possible to do something: Is there a call-back facility on this phone?bea bank account with an overdraft facility3[countable] a place or building used for a particular activity or industry, or for providing a particular type of service: a top-secret research facilitythe finest indoor sports facility in the USfinesport4[singular]GOOD AT a natural ability to do something easily and well SYN talentfacility forShe has an amazing facility for languages.haveamazelanguage5the facilities American English spoken the toilet, used to be polite: Excuse me, I have to use the facilities.facilityCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + facilitiessports/sporting facilities Have you checked out the local sports facilities?checksportfacilityleisure/recreational facilities (=facilities for activities that you do for pleasure) The leisure facilities include a sauna and a gym.facilityhotel facilities Make use of the hotel facilities, which are excellent.facilitybeparking facilities The building has parking facilities for twenty cars.buildhaveparkfacilitycareducational facilities We aim to improve the provision of educational facilities such as libraries.facilitylibrarytraining facilities The company plans to set up in-house training facilities.plantrainfacilitycomputing facilities The department provides excellent computing facilities for students.providecomputefacilitystudentchildcare facilities More women would work if there were better childcare facilities.womanwillbewellfacilitycatering/restaurant/cooking facilities The rooms all have cooking facilities and a fridge.roomcookfacilitycommunal facilities (=to be used by everyone who lives in a place) Communal facilities at the campsite were well-maintained.facilitybemaintainshared facilities (=facilities to be shared, especially bathrooms) The less expensive rooms have shared facilities.littleroomsharefacilityverbsprovide facilities Recycling facilities are provided by the local council.recyclefacilitybeprovideoffer facilities A wide range of facilities is offered.facilitybeofferuse the facilities Guests are welcome to use all the hotel’s facilities.guestbefacilitymake use of the facilities We hope students make use of the new facilities.studentfacilityfacilities include something The centre’s facilities include an outdoor swimming pool.facilityswimphrasesa range of facilities The range of facilities offered by this hotel is superb.facilityofferbe
adjectiveWord family1the following afternoon/month/page/chapter etcAFTER the next afternoon, month etc OPP preceding: He was sick in the evening, but the following day he was better.beevenfollowbewell2the following example/way etcAFTER the example, way etc that will be mentioned next: Payment may be made in any of the following ways: cheque, cash, or credit card.makefollowway3a following wind a wind that is blowing in the same direction as a ship, and helps it to move fasterTHESAURUSlater happening or existing at some time in the future after something or someone else: We will discuss this at a later time.late | Later historians have cast doubt on the truth of his story.latehistorian | They say that they may need to review the case at a later stage.latefollowing happening or coming immediately after something – used about periods of time, or parts of a piece of writing: He resigned the following year.resignfollow | The following day he was back to normal.followbe | Gandhi 's attitude to religion is dealt with in the following chapter.bedealfollowfuture likely to happen or exist at some time in the future: What influence will this have on future developments?developmentsubsequent formal happening or coming at some time after something else: a subsequent decision by the Supreme Court | Subsequent events proved him wrong.eventprove | In subsequent years, the number of patients became smaller and smaller.yearnumbpatientbecomesmallsmallsucceeding coming after someone or something else - used about a series of groups of people, periods of time, or parts of a book: His work was admired by succeeding generations.beadmiresucceedgeneration | Over the succeeding months, the stitches were carefully removed.succeedmonthstitchberemove | These problems are further discussed in the succeeding chapters.problembefardiscusssucceedchapter
followingnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfollowingfollowingsfollowingfollowing2 noun [countable]Word family1[usually singular]SUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLAN a group of people who support or admire someone: The band has a big following in Europe.havefollow2the followingLIST the people or things that you are going to mention: The following have been selected to play in tomorrow’s game: Louise Carus, Fiona Douglas ...followbeselectTHESAURUSnext happening or coming immediately after another one: When does the next train to London leave?do | I’ll see you next Saturday.following happening or coming immediately after something – used about periods of time, or parts of a piece of writing: We met the following day.meetfollow | The following weeks passed quickly.followweekpass | the following pages of the bookfollowpagesubsequent formal happening or coming at some time after something else: the subsequent success of the film | This will be explained in more detail in subsequent chapters.explainchapter | This figure is expected to rise steeply in subsequent years.beexpectyearsucceeding coming after someone or something else – used about a series of groups of people, periods of time, or parts of a book: succeeding generationssucceedgeneration | Succeeding governments have made the same mistake.succeedgovernmentmake | During the succeeding weeks he wrote several more letters.succeedweekwritelettercoming happening soon: The information will be mailed to members during the coming weeks.mailmembercomeweek | The villagers are storing up wood for the coming winter.villagerbestorecome
followingprepositionCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Other dictionary examplesfollowingfollowingfollowing3 preposition AFTERafter an event or as a result of it OPP before: Following the president’s speech, there will be a few minutes for questions.followminutequestionThousands of refugees left the country following the outbreak of civil war.refugeeleavefollowTHESAURUSnext happening or coming immediately after another one: When does the next train to London leave?do | I’ll see you next Saturday.following happening or coming immediately after something – used about periods of time, or parts of a piece of writing: We met the following day.meetfollow | The following weeks passed quickly.followweekpass | the following pages of the bookfollowpagesubsequent formal happening or coming at some time after something else: the subsequent success of the film | This will be explained in more detail in subsequent chapters.explainchapter | This figure is expected to rise steeply in subsequent years.beexpectyearsucceeding coming after someone or something else – used about a series of groups of people, periods of time, or parts of a book: succeeding generationssucceedgeneration | Succeeding governments have made the same mistake.succeedgovernmentmake | During the succeeding weeks he wrote several more letters.succeedweekwritelettercoming happening soon: The information will be mailed to members during the coming weeks.mailmembercomeweek | The villagers are storing up wood for the coming winter.villagerbestorecome
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: haligdæg ‘holy day’ 1[uncountable and countable] British English (also holidays)HOLIDAY a time of rest from work, school etc SYN vacation American English:
The school holidays start tomorrow.holidayon holidayI’m away on holiday until the 1st of June.in the holidaysHe came to stay with us in the school holidays.comeholidayholiday froma holiday from her usual responsibilitiesresponsibilityRegisterIn everyday British English, when someone is temporarily away from their work or studies, people often say they are off, rather than on holiday. Note, however, that off can also mean that someone is away from their work or studies because they are sick:‘Where’s Kate?’ ‘She’s off this week.’2[uncountable and countable] British English (also holidays)HOLIDAY a period of time when you travel to another place for pleasure SYN vacation American English: We’re going to Spain for our holidays.goholidayon holidayHe caught malaria while on holiday in Africa.catchI haven’t had a proper holiday for two years.haveyear3HOLIDAY[countable] a day fixed by law on which people do not have to go to work or school: The 4th of July is a national holiday in the US.be4the holiday season (also the holidays) a)American English the period between Thanksgiving and New Year b)British English the period in the summer when most people take a holiday → bank holiday, public holidayGrammarHolidays is usually used after 'the', 'my', 'your' etc when it refers to a single period when you are travelling or are not working or studying: Soon it will be the holidays.holidayWhere do you want to go for your holidays?holidayCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsgo on holiday The children were excited about going on holiday.childbeexcitegohave/take a holiday Teachers cannot take holidays during term time.teacherholidaybook a holiday I booked the holiday online.bookADJECTIVES/NOUN + holidaya skiing/camping/walking etc holiday They went on a camping holiday in France.gocampa package holiday (=a holiday in which you pay a price that includes travel, room, and food) The company organizes package holidays to Spain and Greece.organizeholidaya summer holiday They were going to a house on the coast for their summer holidays.begoholidaya winter holiday Why not try a winter holiday for a change?a family holiday I first visited Orkney on a family holiday when I was a boy.visitbean annual holiday (=a holiday you take every year) We were getting ready for our annual holiday in Cornwall.begetyour dream holiday (=the best holiday you can imagine) They won a dream holiday for two to the Caribbean.winholiday + NOUNa holiday resort (=a place with many hotels where a lot of people go on holiday) a holiday resort in Spaina holiday destination (=a town or country where a lot of people go on holiday) Marmaris is one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations.bedestinationa holiday brochure (=a magazine that shows what holidays you can take) We were looking through holiday brochures thinking about the summer.belookbrochurethinkholiday photos (also holiday snaps informal) (=photographs that you take when you are on holiday) Do you want to see our holiday snaps?snapa holiday romance (=a brief romantic relationship with someone you meet on holiday) It was just a holiday romance; I never saw him again.beseea holiday abroad (=a holiday in a country other than the one you live in) They were planning a holiday abroad that year.beplanphrasesthe holiday of a lifetime (=a very good or expensive holiday that you will only take once) We took the family on a holiday of a lifetime to Orlando, Florida.takeTHESAURUSvacation especially American English, holiday especially British English time you spend away from school or work: Are you taking a vacation this summer?betake | We met on holiday in Cyprus.meet | What are you doing in the school holidays?bedoholidayholiday a day that is set by law, when no one has to go to work or school: the Thanksgiving holiday | New Year's Day is a national holiday.be | In 2002, there was an extra public holiday to mark the Queen's golden jubilee.be | the August bank holiday (=day when all the banks and shops are closed – used in British English)break a time when you stop working or studying in order to rest, or a short vacation from school: a ten-minute coffee break | Lots of college kids come to the beaches during the spring break.lotkidbeachleave a time when you are allowed not to work: We get four weeks' annual leave (=paid time off work each year).week | He has been taking a lot of sick leave (=time off work because you are ill) recently.havebetake | Angela is on maternity leave (= time off work when having a baby).be | He was given compassionate leave (=time off work because someone close to you has died, is very ill etc) to go to his father's funeral.begivesabbatical [usually singular] a period when someone, especially a teacher, stops doing their usual work in order to study or travel: She was on sabbatical for six months.bemonth | I'm thinking of taking a sabbatical.thinktakefurlough a period of time when a soldier or someone working in another country can return to their own country as a holiday: While on furlough, he and his girlfriend got married.getmarryR & R (rest and relaxation) a holiday, especially one given to people in the army, navy etc after a long period of hard work or during a war: Soldiers in Vietnam were taken to Hawaii for R & R.soldierbetake
holidayverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesholidayholidaysholidayedholidayingholidayholiday2 verb [intransitive]Verb form British EnglishHOLIDAY to spend your holiday in a place – used especially in news reports SYN vacation American Englishholiday in/atThey’re holidaying in Majorca.holiday
verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: aprover, from Latin approbare, from ad- ‘to’ + probare ‘to prove’ Verb form1[transitive]AGREE to officially accept a plan, proposal etc:
The conference approved a proposal for a referendum.approve2[intransitive]APPROVE to think that someone or something is good, right, or suitable OPP disapproveapprove ofCatherine’s parents now approve of her marriage.parentI don’t approve of cosmetic surgery.THESAURUSapprove to officially accept a plan, proposal etc: The Medical Research Council has approved the use of a new drug for breast cancer.haveapprovepass to approve a law or proposal, especially by voting: Many anti-smoking laws have been passed.smokelawbepassratify to make a written agreement official by signing it: The treaty was ratified by the Senate in 1988.beratifyrubber-stamp to approve something without really thinking about it – used to show disapproval: Parliament merely rubber-stamped the president’s decisions.stampdecision
noun
Sense 1-7, 10-17:Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old Norse
Origin: böllrSense 8-9:
Date: 1600-1700
Language: French
Origin: bal, from Old French baller ‘to dance’, from Late Latin ballare, from Greek ballizein
1round objectTO PLAY WITH [countable] a round object that is thrown, kicked, or hit in a game or sportthrow/hit/kick/catch etc a ballWeiskopf hit the ball 330 yards and a cheer went up.yardgoa tennis/golf/cricket etc ball2round shapeROUND SHAPE [countable] something formed or rolled into a round shape: a ball of stringShape the dough into balls.ball3game/sport [uncountable] any game or sport played with a ball, especially baseball or basketball: D'you want to go out and play ball?Dad likes college ball.like4foot/hand the ball of the foot/hand the rounded part of the foot at the base of the toes, or the rounded part of the hand at the base of the thumb5on the ball informalINTELLIGENT able to think or act quickly and intelligently: an assistant who’s really on the ball6set/start/keep the ball rollingSTART DOING STH to start something happening: To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £1 million.rollbeask7the ball is in sb’s courtDECIDE it is their turn to take action or to reply: I’ve emailed him – now the ball’s in his court.email8formal occasionDANCE [countable] a large formal occasion at which people dance9have a ball informalENJOY/LIKE DOING STH to have a very good time10balls [plural] informal not polite a)testicles b)BRAVEcourage: I didn’t have the balls to ask.ball c)STUPID/NOT SENSIBLE British English spoken something that is stupid or wrong SYN nonsense: That’s a load of balls!ball →, → play ball at play1(7)COLLOCATIONSverbsthrow a ball Suzy threw the ball to Matthew.throwcatch a ball He’s useless at sport; he can’t even catch a ball.hit a ball He swung the bat back and hit the ball hard.swingkick a ball Greg kicked the ball upfield to Will.kickbounce a ball He was in the yard bouncing a ball against the wall.bebounceget the ball Then the Cowboys got the ball again.cowboygetmiss a ball (=not catch or hit it) I was trying hard but I kept missing the ball.betrykeepmissa ball rolls The ball just rolled past the hole.rolla ball flies/sails The ball flew over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net.flya ball bounces In tennis, the ball must only bounce once.a ball rebounds (=hits something and moves back and away from it again) The ball hit the goalpost and rebounded.reboundADJECTIVES/NOUN + balla tennis/cricket/golf/rugby etc ball She was practising hitting golf balls.bepractisehitballa ping-pong/billiard/snooker etc ball He was bouncing around like a ping-pong ball.bebouncea beach ball (=a large light ball used on the beach) Dad, will you blow up the beach ball?ball + NOUNa ball game He’s always watching ball games on TV.watchgameball skills Practising ball skills helps a child’s coordination.practiseskillhelp
ballverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesballballsballedballingballball2 verb [transitive]Verb form1(also ball up) to make something form a small round shape: Ray balled up his fists.ballfist2American English informal not polite to have sex with a woman
nounWord family1[countable]CROWD a large group of people who have gathered together to do something, for example to watch something or protest about somethingcrowd ofa crowd of angry protestersprotestera crowd of 30,000 spectatorsspectatorThere were crowds of shoppers in the street.becrowdshopperA vast crowd gathered in the main square.gatherShe mingled with the crowd of guests, exchanging greetings.mingleguestexchangegreetingSaturday’s game was watched by a capacity crowd (=the maximum number of people that a sports ground etc can hold).bewatchTroops fired tear gas and shots to disperse a crowd of 15,000 demonstrators.troopfireshotdemonstrator2[singular] informalFRIEND a group of people who know each other, work together etc: I didn’t know him; he wasn’t one of the usual crowd.3the crowd ordinary people, not unusual in any way: You have to do things exceptionally well to stand out from the crowd (=be different from ordinary people).thingHe wanted to go unnoticed, to be one of the crowd.wantCOLLOCATIONSverbsa crowd gathers A large crowd had gathered to watch the procession go past.havegathera crowd cheers (=shouts to show praise, support etc) The crowd cheered as the team came onto the pitch.cheercomea crowd roars (=shouts in a very excited way) As the band appeared the crowd roared in approval.appearroara crowd surges forward (=moves forward all together) Police officers began to lose control and the crowd surged forward.officerbeginsurgea crowd disperses/breaks up (=goes away in different directions) Seeing there would be no more entertainment, the crowd began to disperse.seewillbegina crowd lines the street/route etc A crowd lined the street to catch a glimpse of the president.lineattract/draw a crowd The ceremony is expected to draw a crowd of more than 1,000.beexpectpull a crowd/pull in the crowds (=make a lot of people come to something) Low prices always pull in the crowds.pricecrowddisperse/break up a crowd (=make a crowd go away in different directions) A few warning shots were fired in an attempt to disperse the crowd.warnshotbefiremingle/mix with the crowd (=join a crowd to be social or in order not to be noticed) The actors went outside to talk to and mingle with the crowd.actorgoadjectivesa big/large/huge crowd A big crowd is expected tomorrow for the final match.beexpecta good crowd (=a big one) There was a good crowd on the first night of the show.bea capacity crowd (=the maximum number of people that a place can hold) The band performed brilliantly to a capacity crowd.performa sellout crowd (=one that has bought all the tickets for something) The team won in front of a sellout crowd of 17,765.wina record crowd (=the biggest one there has ever been) They were playing before a record crowd of 50,000.beplaya bumper crowd (=a very big one) As usual there was a bumper crowd at the festival.bephrasesa crowd of people I pushed my way through the crowd of people.pusha crowd of onlookers (=of people who stop to watch something that is happening) A crowd of onlookers had gathered to see what all the fuss was about.onlookerhavegatherbeTHESAURUScrowd a large number of people together in one place: The exhibition is expected to attract large crowds of visitors.beexpectcrowdvisitormob a crowd of noisy and violent people who are difficult to control: The mob set fire to cars and buildings.carbuildingmass a very large crowd which is not moving and which is very difficult to move through: the mass of people in the stationhorde a large crowd of people, especially people who are behaving in a way that you disapprove of or that annoys you: the hordes of tourists on the islandhordetouristdroves [plural] a crowd of people – used especially when you are talking about a crowd of people who move from one place to another: The public came in droves to see the event.comedrovethrong literary a very large crowd: A great throng had gathered to listen to his speech.havegatherflock a large group of people of the same type, especially when they have a leader: A flock of children were being shown through the museum.childbebeshowpack a group of people of the same type, especially a group you do not approve of: A pack of reporters shouted questions.reportershoutquestionswarm a large crowd of people who are moving quickly in many directions in a very uncontrolled way: a swarm of children in the playgroundchildcrush a crowd of people who are pressed close together: There was such a crush on the Metro this morning.bemultitude formal literary a very large number of people, especially ordinary people: The Emperor came out to speak to the multitude.come → group
crowdverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrowdcrowdscrowdedcrowdingcrowdcrowd2 verbWord familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: crudan ‘to press close’ Verb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]CROWD if people crowd somewhere, they gather together in large numbers, filling a particular placecrowd into
Hundreds of people crowded into the church for the funeral.hundredcrowdcrowd round/aroundWe all crowded round the table.crowdbe crowded togetherthe rapid spread of infection in areas where people are crowded togetherareabecrowd2[transitive] if people or things crowd a place, there are a lot of them there: Holidaymakers crowded the beaches.holidaymakercrowdbeachRange after range of mountains crowd the horizon.mountain3[transitive]IDEA if thoughts or ideas crowd your mind or memory, they fill it, not allowing you to think of anything else: Strange thoughts and worries were crowding his mind.thoughtworrybecrowd4[transitive] a)ANNOYto make someone angry by moving too close to them: Stop crowding me – there’s plenty of room.crowd b)especially American EnglishUPSET to make someone angry or upset by making too many unfair demands on themcrowd in phrasal verb if problems or thoughts crowd in on you, you cannot stop thinking about themcrowd in onShe shut her mind against the fears that crowded in on her.fearcrowdcrowd somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb FORCE SB TO DO STHto force someone or something out of a place or situation: Supermarket chains have crowded out the smaller shops.chaincrowdsmallshop
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old English
1part of body [countable] the part of your body at the end of your arm, including your fingers and thumb, that you use to hold things: Steve gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands.gripsteerhandIn her hand was a tattered old photograph.be2help a handHELP help with something – used in the following phrasesneed/want a handDo you need a hand packing?packgive/lend (somebody) a handCan you give me a hand to lift this?If you get stuck, Denise is always willing to lend a hand.stickbewillI could do with a hand/use a hand (=it would be useful to have some help)We could certainly do with a hand.can → a helping hand at help1(9)3control [singular, uncountable] control, power, or influence that someone has: The President has strengthened the hand of the gun lobby.havestrengthenThis matter is too important to be left in the hands of (=in the control of) an inexperienced lawyer.beleavehanda manager with a firm hand (=who controls things strictly)4get out of hand if a situation or person gets out of hand, they become impossible to control any longer: The demonstration was getting out of hand.beget5on the other hand (also on the one hand ... on the other hand)BUT used to give another opinion or fact that should be considered as well as the one you have just given: I’d like to eat out, but on the other hand I should be trying to save money.shalltry ► Do not say ‘on one hand’. Say on the one hand.6hands off spoken used to say that someone cannot have, take, or touch something: Hey! Hands off that CD! It’s mine!handTell your little brother to keep his hands off my car.hand → hands-off7in hand a)if something is in hand, it is being done or dealt with: Plans are in hand to perform ‘Oz’ next semester.planbeLisa seemed to have things in hand by the time he returned.seemthingreturnjob/task/matter etc in handOur officers have to concentrate 100 per cent on the task in hand.officertake somebody in hand (=begin to deal with someone’s problems etc) b)British English if you work a week, a month etc in hand, you do not get paid until after you have worked two weeks, two months etc c)British English if you have time, money etc in hand, you have it available: I usually have a few days’ leave in hand at the end of the year.day d)British English if a team or player has a game in hand in a competition, they still have another game to play in which they could gain more points8in the hands of somebody/in sb’s handsDEAL WITH being dealt with or cared for by someone: The matter is in the hands of the police.behandin good/safe/capable etc handsYou can be sure your children are in good hands.childbehandThe fear is that nuclear secrets could fall into the wrong hands.besecretcanhand ► Do not say ‘in the hand of someone’. Say in the hands of someone. → a safe pair of hands at safe1(11)9hands up a)with your arms straight up in the air – used especially to tell someone to do this as a sign that they will not attack you: Hands up! You’re under arrest!handThe men emerged from the building with their hands up.manemergebuildhand b)used to tell people to put their arm straight up in the air if they know the answer to a question or want to say something: Hands up if you agree with what Eric was saying.handbesay10at hand formal a)likely to happen soon: Recent economic performance suggests that a major crisis is at hand.suggestbe b)close to you and available to be used: Don’t worry, help is at hand!be c)needing to be dealt with now: Peter turned his attention to the task at hand.turn11to hand British EnglishHAVE something that is to hand is close to you, so that you can reach it easily12on handNEAR close by and ready when needed: Our staff are always on hand to help.be13by hand a)done or made by a person rather than a machine: We had to wash our clothes by hand.haveclothe b)delivered by someone personally, rather than being sent through the post, emailed etc14(at) first hand if you know or experience something first hand, you have personal experience of it: a chance to view at first hand the workings of the courtworking15(at) second/third/fourth hand if you know something second, third etc hand, someone tells you about it, but you have no personal experience of it: Until now, information has been second or third hand, but this news comes from someone who was there.havebecomebe16at the hands of somebody caused or done by a particular person – used about something bad or unpleasant that someone does: Anyone who suffered at the hands of care workers will be entitled to compensation.sufferhandworkerentitleThis is their third defeat at the hands of the world champions.behandchampion17get your hands on somethingGET informal to succeed in getting something: She’s only marrying him to get her hands on his money.marryhand18lay your hands on something to find or get something: I would read any book I could lay my hands on.willcanliehand19come to hand if something comes to hand, it is there for you to use – used especially about something that is there by chance: They ran, picking up whatever weapons came to hand.runpickweaponcome20get your hands on somebody spoken to catch someone you are angry with: Just wait till I get my hands on you!hand21have a hand in somethingTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to influence or be involved in something: He had a hand in both goals.havegoal22hand in handCONNECTED WITH a)(go) hand in hand if two things go hand in hand, they are closely connected: Wealth and power go hand in hand in most societies.society(go) hand in hand withThey say that genius often goes hand in hand with madness.go b)if two people walk, stand etc hand in hand, they walk, stand etc while they are holding each other’s hand: They walked hand in hand in silence up the path.walk23have something/somebody on your handsDEAL WITH to have a difficult job, problem, situation etc to deal with: I’m afraid we have a murder on our hands, Inspector.hand24be off your handsRESPONSIBLE if something or someone is off your hands, you are not responsible for them any more: Once this problem is off our hands we can relax for a while.behandtake somebody/something off sb’s handsShe wants someone to take the kids off her hands occasionally.wantkidhand25try your hand at (doing) something to try to do something you have not tried before: John dreamed of being a writer and had tried his hand at poetry.dreambehavetry26turn your hand to (doing) somethingTRY TO DO OR GET STH to do something well, even if it is the first time you have tried: Larry’s one of those men who can turn their hand to anything.man27out of handREFUSE without even stopping to consider what someone has suggested, asked for etcreject/dismiss/refuse etc something out of handAromatherapy was dismissed out of hand by traditional doctors.bedismissdoctor28hands down easilywin (something)/beat somebody hands downNigel always won hands down in any argument.winhand29have your hands fullBUSY/HAVE A LOT TO DO to be very busy or too busy: Can’t it wait? I already have my hands full.hand30good with your handsGOOD AT skilful at making things31on either/every hand written on both sides or in every direction: Thick forest stood on either hand.stand32get your hands dirty a)informal to do hard or dirty physical work – usually used in questions or negative statements: It’s not that the jobs aren’t there, it’s just that she doesn’t want to get her hands dirty.jobhand b)to get involved in the difficult, dishonest, or unpleasant side of something: He never talked to the media or got his hands dirty in any way.talkmediumgethand33keep your hand inPRACTISE/PRACTICE to do something that you used to do a lot, so you do not forget how to do it: You should at least work part-time, just to keep your hand in.shalllittle34hand in gloveWITH closely connected with someone, especially in an illegal activity: Far from being independent, the government and media work hand in glove.bemedium35hand over fist informalLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT if you gain or lose something hand over fist, you gain or lose it very quickly: Five years ago, the company was losing money hand over fist.yearbelose36a big handPRAISE spoken used to tell the people who are watching a performance to clap or cheer loudly: Let’s all give the girls a big hand.girl37all hands on deck (also all hands to the pumps British English) informal used to say that everyone is needed to help in a particular situation: With only half an hour to get everything ready, it was all hands on deck.behand38the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing used to say that two parts of an organization that should be doing the same thing are each doing different things without the other knowing39worker [countable]WORKER someone who does physical work on a farm, factory, ship etc: farm handshand40cards [countable] a)the playing cards given to one person in a game: a winning handwin b)a single game of cards41
clock [countable] a long thin piece of metal that points at the numbers on a clockhour/minute/second hand42writing [singular] old-fashioned someone’s handwriting43sb’s hands are tied if someone’s hands are tied, they cannot help in a particular situation because of rules, laws etc: The bank claims its hands are tied by federal regulators.claimhandbetieregulator44tie/bind somebody hand and foot a)TIEto tie up someone’s hands and feet b)CONTROLto make it very difficult or impossible for someone to do what they think is best45can do something with one hand (tied) behind your back spoken used to say that you can do something very easily46not do a hand’s turn British English old-fashioned informalLAZY to do no work at all47sb’s hand (in marriage) old-fashionedMARRY permission for a man to marry a particular woman: He asked for her hand in marriage.ask48horse [countable] a unit for measuring the height of a horse, equal to about ten centimetres → cash-in-hand, freehand, hands-on, left-hand, right-hand, → be an old hand (at something) at old(17), → bite the hand that feeds you at bite1(15), → have blood on your hands at blood1(2), → have your hands/fingers in the till at till2(3), → force sb’s hand at force2(7), → overplay your hand at overplay(2), → shake sb’s hand/shake hands with somebody at shake1(4), → wash your hands of something at wash1(5)COLLOCATIONSadjectivessb’s right/left hand She held the book in her right hand.holdsomebody's free hand (=the hand someone is not already using) Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.bestrokea gloved hand (=covered with a glove) He stretched out a gloved hand.stretchan outstretched hand (=stretched out towards someone or something) She took her father's outstretched hand and began to walk from the room.takebeginsomebody's cupped hand (=in the shape of a cup) Hamil shook the dice in his cupped hand.shakecupverbswave your hand Marta waved a hand to attract his attention.waveclap your hands They were singing and clapping their hands.besingclaphandwash your hands Go wash your hands before dinner.handhold hands (with somebody) Joanne and Kevin held hands on the sofa.holdhandshake sb’s hand (also shake hands with somebody) ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said, as they shook hands.sayshakehandtake sb’s hand (=hold someone’s hand) He reached across the table and took her hand in his.reachtaketake somebody by the hand (=hold someone’s hand in order to take them somewhere) She took the boy by the hand and led him across the street.takeleadjoin hands (=take hold of the hands of people on either side of you) They stood in a circle and joined hands.standjoinhandclasp your hands (=hold them together tightly) Emily clasped her hands together and stood there nervously.clasphandstandfold your hands (=put your hands together and rest them on something) Lily folded both hands on her stomach.foldhandraise your hand (also put your hand up) (=lift your hand, especially when you want to ask or answer a question) If you know the answer, raise your hand.somebody's hands shake/tremble His hands trembled as he lifted the cup.handtrembleliftsomebody's hand holds something His other hand was holding his mobile phone.beholdsomebody's hand touches something Daniel's hand touched mine.touchsomebody's hand grips something (=hold something firmly) Her hands gripped the steering wheel very tightly.handgripsteersomebody's hand grabs/grasps something (=take and hold something firmly) He felt Connor's hand grasp his shoulder.feelsomebody's hand tightens Her hand tightened on the knife handle.tightennounsa hand movement The disease means she has trouble controlling her hand movements.meanhavecontrolmovementa hand gesture/signal (=a movement of your hand to show what you mean) He made a rude hand gesture at the other driver.makephrasesin sb’s hand He had a suitcase in his hand.haveon your hands and knees (=in a crawling position) They got down on their hands and knees to search.gethandkneethe palm of your hand (=the inside surface of your hand) The phone could fit into the palm of his hand.canthe back of your hand (=the outside surface of your hand) Let a dog sniff the back of your hand, rather than your fingers.fingerwith your bare hands (=without using a tool, weapon, machine etc) With his bare hands he forced the doors apart.handforcedoor
handverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshandhandshandedhandinghandhand2 S2 W2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1GIVEto give something to someone else with your handhand somebody somethingHe handed the teacher a slip of paper.handhand something to somebodyHe lit a cigarette and handed it to her.lighthandThis form must be handed to all employees.handemployee2you have to hand it to somebody spokenADMIRE used to say that you admire someone: You have to hand it to her. She’s really made a success of that company.makehand something ↔ around (also hand something roundhand something round British English) phrasal verb GIVEto offer something to each person in a group: Willie helped hand the mugs around.helpmughand something ↔ back phrasal verb1GIVEto give something back to the person who gave it to you, with your handhand something ↔ back toKurt examined the document and handed it back to her.examinehandhand somebody something ↔ backShe handed him his pen back.hand2GIVEto give something back to the person who used to own ithand something ↔ back toThe land was handed back to its original owner.behandhand somebody something ↔ backThe government has promised to hand investors back their money.havepromiseinvestorhand something ↔ down phrasal verb1GIVEto give or leave something to people who will live after youhand something ↔ down toThe ring was handed down to her from her grandmother.behandstories handed down by word of mouthstoryhand → hand-me-down2SAY/STATEhand down a decision/ruling/sentence etc to officially announce a decision, punishment etchand something ↔ in phrasal verb GIVEto give something to someone in authority: Tom has handed in his resignation.havehandDid you hand your homework in on time?dohand something ↔ on phrasal verb GIVEto give something to someone: He was accused of handing on government secrets.beaccusehandsecrethand something ↔ out phrasal verb GIVEto give something to each person in a group SYN distribute: Could you start handing these books out please?canhandbookhand something ↔ out toHe was handing out leaflets to members of the audience.behandleafletmember → handouthand over phrasal verb1hand something ↔ overGIVE to give something to someone with your hand, especially because they have asked for it or should have it: The soldiers were ordered to hand over their guns.soldierbeordergunhand something ↔ over toHe handed the phone over to me.hand2GIVEto give someone power or responsibility over something which you used to be in charge ofhand something ↔ over (to somebody)On his retirement, he handed the business over to his son.handPolitical control has been handed over to religious leaders.havebehandleaderhand over toNow she feels the time has come to hand over to someone else.feelhave
adjective (comparative slower, superlative slowest)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: slaw 1not quickSLOW not moving, being done, or happening quickly OPP quick, fast → slowly:
The car was travelling at a very slow speed.betravela slow walkerThe economy faces a year of slower growth.faceslowTake a few deep, slow breaths.breath2taking too longSLOW taking too long OPP fast: Taylor was concerned at the slow progress of the investigations.beconcerninvestigationThe legal system can be painfully slow (=much too slow).slow to do somethingThe wound was slow to heal.windbe3with delay [not before noun] if you are slow to do something, you do not do it as soon as you can or shouldslow to do somethingFarmers have been slow to exploit this market.farmerbeTheir attitude was slow to change.beslow in doing somethingHe has been slow in announcing the name of his successor.havebeannounceNew ideas have been slow in coming.ideabecome4longer timeSLOW taking a longer time than something similar OPP fast: We got on the slow train (=one that stops at more stations) by mistake.get5businessBUSY PLACE if business or trade is slow, there are not many customers or not much is sold: Business is often slow in the afternoon.beThe company is experiencing slow sales.beexperiencesale6clock [not before noun]TIME/RIGHT OR WRONG TIME if a clock or watch is slow, it is showing a time earlier than the correct time OPP fastten minutes/five minutes etc slowThe clock is about five minutes slow.beminute7not cleverSTUPID/NOT INTELLIGENT not good or quick at understanding things: Teaching assistants have time to help the slower pupils.teachassistantslowpupil8slow on the uptake not quick to understand something new: Sometimes Tim’s a little slow on the uptake.9slow off the mark not quick enough at reacting to something10do a slow burn American English informal to slowly get angry: Tony fumbled the ball and I could see the coach doing a slow burn.fumblecando11slow handclap British English if a group of people give someone a slow handclap, they clap their hands slowly to show their disapproval12a slow oven an oven that is at a low temperature13photography a slow film does not react to light very easily—slownessslownessesslowness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSslow not moving quickly or not doing something quickly: I was always one of the slowest runners in my class.beslowrunner | My computer’s really slow compared to the ones at school.compareonegradual happening, developing, or changing slowly over a long period of time: a gradual rise in the Earth’s temperature | I’ve noticed a gradual improvement in his work.noticeleisurely especially written moving or doing something slowly, especially because you are enjoying what you are doing and do not have to hurry: a leisurely breakfast | They walked at a leisurely pace.walkunhurried especially written moving or doing something in a slow and calm way, without rushing at all: She continued to listen, seeming relaxed and unhurried.continueseemrelax | the doctor’s calm unhurried mannersluggish moving or reacting more slowly than usual, especially because of a loss of power or energy. Also used when business, sales, or the economy seem very slow: The car seems rather sluggish going uphill.seemgo | The drink was making her sluggish.bemake | the company’s sluggish performance this year | Sales have been sluggish.salebelethargic moving slowly, because you feel as if you have no energy and no interest in doing anything: She woke up feeling heavy and lethargic.wakefeel | His son seemed depressed and lethargic.seemdepresslanguid literary slow and with very little energy or activity – used about people, actions, or periods of time: She lifted her hand in a languid wave.lift | a long languid afternoon in the middle of summer | He was pale and had rather a languid air about him.behaveglacial literary extremely slow – used especially about the speed at which something happens: Things are changing, but at a glacial pace.thingbechange
slowverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesslowslowsslowedslowingslowslow2 S3 W2 (also slow down/upslow down/up) verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form SLOWto become slower or to make something slower: Her breathing slowed and she fell asleep.breatheslowfallIan slowed up as he approached the traffic lights.slowapproachlightslow down phrasal verb1SLOWto become slower or to make something slower: Growth in sales has slowed down.salehaveslowslow somebody/something ↔ downThe ice on the road slowed us down.slow2BUSY/HAVE A LOT TO DO#to become less active or busy than you usually are: It is important to slow down, rest, and eat sensibly.be
slowadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesslowslowslow3 adverb (comparative slower, superlative slowest) informal SLOWslowly: If you go slower, you’ll see much more.slow → go-slow
nounWord family1[uncountable] the business of selling and sending goods to other countries OPP importexport ofa ban on the export of toxic wastefor exportbales of cloth for export to the continentbale2[countable usually plural] a product that is sold to another country OPP import: Wheat is one of the country’s main exports.beexportCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2export + NOUNan export market The US is Scotland’s second largest export market after France.belargeexport trade Most of its export trade is with Russia.beexport earnings/revenue (=the money a company or country makes from exports) Oil and gas provide 40% of Norway’s export earnings.export sales/figures (=the total number of products that are sold to other countries) Export sales exceeded 50% of the company’s total turnover.saleexceed | Hong Kong is a major trading power, with annual export figures rivalling those of Germany.betradefigurerivalan export licence (=an official document giving you permission to sell something to another country) You will have to submit an application for an export licence.export controls/restrictions/quotas (=official limits on the number of exports) The European Parliament wants tougher export controls on certain goods.wanttoughcontrolgood | The number of goods subject to import and export quotas is being reduced.numbgoodquotabebereducean export ban (also a ban on exports) During the crisis, France imposed an export ban on British beef.impose | The ban on exports was lifted in June.exportbeliftADJECTIVES/NOUN + exportthe major/main/principal export Agricultural products are the country’s principal exports.productbeexportoil/agricultural/manufacturing exports Oil exports from Iraq have resumed.exportresumeBritish/US etc exports Higher tariffs will affect a wide range of British exports.hightariffexportinvisible exports (=services that are exported, such as banking or insurance, rather than a product) The City of London is important to the invisible exports of this country.beexportverbsboost exports (=increase them) The measures should boost exports and create employment.measureshallexportencourage exports (=make them more likely to exist) Kenya used subsidies to encourage exports.usesubsidyexportreduce exports OPEC has threatened to reduce exports of oil to the West.havethreatenexportrestrict exports (=limit or control them) The government threatened to restrict exports because of weak demand.threatenexportban exports (=stop them completely) In retaliation, Britain banned exports of cloth to France.banexportexports increase/rise/grow Electronics exports grew more slowly than in previous years.exportgrowyearexports fall/decline/drop Exports of gas and oil continued to fall while imports of raw materials have risen.exportcontinueimportmaterialriseexports account for something (=form a particular part of a total) Exports currently account for 37% of sales.exportsalephrasesa growth/rise/increase in exports The electronics sector has seen a 16% growth in exports.haveseeexporta fall/decline/drop in exports There has been a decline in exports and an increase in oil prices.havebeexportpriceTHESAURUSproduct noun [countable] something that is made or produced in large quantities, usually in order to be sold: consumer products such as mobile phonesproductphone | dairy productsproductgoods noun [plural] things that are produced in order to be sold, especially for use in the home: They sell furniture and other household goods.good | electrical goodsgood | white goods (=large electrical goods used in the home such as washing machines and refrigerators)goodcommodity noun [countable] formal a type of product or raw material that can be bought and sold – used especially about basic food products, metals, and fuels: The decline in prices for agricultural commodities made the economic situation worse.pricecommoditymakeill | All metal was a valuable commodity and was rarely wasted.bebewastmerchandise noun [uncountable] formal things that are being sold, especially in shops: Customers are not allowed to handle the merchandise.customerbeallow | Sales of books, videos, and other merchandise have increased.salebookvideoincreasewares noun [plural] written things that are offered for sale, especially in a market or on the street: In the market, the traders began selling their wares.traderbeginsellware | Merchants brought their wares from all over the world.merchantbringwareexport noun [countable often plural] a product that is sent to a foreign country in order to be sold: US exports rose to $11.935 billion.exportrise | At the moment, oil is their biggest export.bebigimport noun [countable often plural] goods that are brought from one country into another to be sold there: The UK clothing industry cannot compete with foreign imports on price.clotheimport
exportverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesexportexportsexportedexportingexportex‧port2 AC /ɪkˈspɔːt $ -ɔːrt/ verbWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: exportare, from portare ‘to carry’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to sell goods to another country OPP importexport something (from somebody) to somebody
The company exports tuna to the US.export2[transitive]INTRODUCE to introduce an activity, idea etc to another place or country: Italian food has been exported all over the world.havebeexport3[transitive] technical to move computer information from one computer to another, from one computer document to another, or from one piece of software to another OPP import—exportationexportationsexportation /ˌekspɔːˈteɪʃən $ -ɔːr-/ noun [uncountable]THESAURUSsell to give something to someone in exchange for money: He sold his motorcycle.sell | The shop sells old furniture.sell | Do you sell books on gardening?bookgardenexport to send goods to another country to be sold: Which countries export oil to the United States?countryunitestatedeal in something to buy and sell a particular type of goods as part of your business: He deals in antiques.dealantiqueput something up for sale/put something on the market to make something available to be bought: When the painting was first put up for sale, no one thought that it would be worth so much money.paintbethinkwill | The farm was put up for sale.besell up British English to sell your house or your business so that you can move to a different place or do something different: They’re thinking of selling up and moving to Canada.thinksellmoveauction something/sell something at auction to sell things at a special event to the person who offers the most money: The contents of his home will be auctioned.contentauctionflog British English informal to sell something, especially something that is of low quality: A man at the market was flogging £10 watches.beflogwatchpeddle to sell cheap things in the street. Also used about selling illegal drugs and pornography: Street vendors peddled American and British cigarettes.vendorpeddlecigarette | People who peddle drugs to children should be severely punished.drugchildshallpunishtraffic in something to buy and sell large quantities of illegal goods or people: They trafficked in illegal weapons.trafficweapon | The gang were involved in people-trafficking.beinvolvetraffic | drug-traffickingtraffic
noun
Word family1lack of success [uncountable and countable]FAIL a lack of success in achieving or doing something OPP success: Successful people often aren’t very good at dealing with failure.dealfailure to do somethingthe conference’s failure to reach an agreement2unsuccessful person/thing [countable]FAIL someone or something that is not successful OPP success: I always felt a bit of a failure at school.feelbite3failure to do somethingNOT DO STH an act of not doing something which should be done or which people expect you to do: Failure to produce proof of identity could result in prosecution.can4business [uncountable and countable] a situation in which a business has to close because of a lack of money: Business failures in Scotland rose 10% last year.failurerise5machine/body part [uncountable and countable] an occasion when a machine or part of your body stops working properly: The cause of the crash was engine failure.beheart/kidney/liver etc failureHe died from kidney failure.diefailure ina failure in the computer system6crops [uncountable and countable] an occasion when crops do not grow or produce food, for example because of bad weather: a series of crop failuresfailureCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsend in/result in failure A series of rescue attempts ended in failure.attemptendbe doomed to failure (=be certain to fail) The rebellion was doomed to failure from the start.bedoomadmit failure He was too proud to admit failure.beaccept failure Being able to accept failure is part of life.bebeavoid failure She was anxious to avoid failure.beadjectivescomplete/total/utter failure The project ended in total failure.endabject/dismal failure (=used to emphasize how bad a failure is) The experiment was considered a dismal failure.beconsidera personal failure (=a failure that is someone's personal fault) He considered his inability to form long-term relationships to be a personal failure.considerrelationshipeconomic failure Economic failure drove the government out of office.drivephrasesfear of failure Fear of failure should not deter you from trying.shalltrythe risk/possibility of failure The risk of failure for a new product is very high.be | The possibility of failure was sufficiently high for the auditors to warn investors.beauditorinvestoran admission of failure Dropping out of college would be an admission of failure.dropwilla history of failure (=a situation in which someone has failed many times in the past) Some children have a history of failure at school.childa string of failures (=a series of failures) The team has had a string of failures in recent games.havehavefailuregamea sense of failure People may feel a sense of failure if they admit they have ended up in a job they hate.endthe consequences of failure The political consequences of failure would be defeat at the next election.consequencewillfailure + NOUNa failure rate There is a high failure rate in the restaurant industry.beTHESAURUSfailure noun [countable] someone or something that is not successful: The book was a complete failure.be | I felt a complete failure.feelflop noun [countable] informal something that is not successful because people do not like it – used especially about a film, play, product, or performance: Despite the hype, the movie was a flop at the box office.be | Their next computer was a flop.bedisaster noun [countable] used when saying that something is extremely unsuccessful: Our first date was a disaster.be | Their marriage was a total disaster.befiasco noun [countable usually singular] something that is completely unsuccessful and goes very badly wrong – used especially about things that have been officially planned, which go very wrong: The baggage system broke down on the first day the airport was open. It was a complete fiasco.breakbebe | The fiasco came close to ending de Gaulle's political career.comeenddebacle noun [countable usually singular] formal an event or situation that is a complete failure, because it does not happen in the way that it was officially planned: the banking debacle that has put our economy at riskbankhaveshambles noun [singular] especially British English if a situation or event is a shambles, it is completely unsuccessful because it has been very badly planned or organized, and no one seems to know what to do: The first few shows were a shambles, but things soon got better.showbeshamblethinggetwellwashout noun [singular] informal a failure – used when something is so bad that it would be better if it had not happened: The play wasn’t a complete washout; the acting was okay.actbe | His most recent and ambitious project, a big-budget Hollywood film, was a washout with both critics and audiences alike.becriticaudienceturkey noun [countable] informal something that is so bad and unsuccessful that you think the people involved should be embarrassed about it – a very informal use: At the time most people thought the car was a complete turkey.thinkbe | Since then he has appeared in a string of turkeys.haveappearturkey
adjective
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: freis 1newNEW adding to or replacing something:
I’ll just make some fresh coffee.The report provides fresh evidence about the way the business was run.providebeYou’ll have to start again on a fresh sheet of paper.2new and interesting good or interesting because it has not been done, seen etc before: Ryan will bring a fresh approach to the job.We need some fresh ideas.ideaLet’s take a fresh look at the problem.3recent done, experienced, or having happened recently: There were fresh fox tracks around the hen huts.betrackhutThe accident was still fresh in her mind.be4a fresh startAGAIN when you start something again in a completely new and different way after being unsuccessful: I hope Jim and I can get back together and make a fresh start.5food/flowers a)NEWfresh food has recently been picked or prepared, and is not frozen or preservedfresh fruit/vegetables/fish/bread etcThe beans are fresh from the garden.beanbe b)fresh flowers have recently been picked6fresh airAIR air from outside, especially clean air: Let’s open the windows and have some fresh air in here!window → breath of fresh air at breath(2)7fresh water fresh water contains no salt and comes from rivers and lakes → saltwater8taste/smell etc [usually before noun] pleasantly clean or cool: a fresh minty tasteIt’s a light, fresh wine.9appearance pleasant, bright, and clean OPP dull: The kitchen is decorated in fresh blues and greens.bedecoratebluegreenShe has brown hair, hazel eyes and a fresh complexion.haveeye10weather if the wind is fresh, it is quite cold and strong: a fresh breeze11not tiredENERGETIC [not usually before noun] full of energy because you are not tired: She always seems fresh and lively, even at the end of the day.seemDespite his busy day he arrived looking as fresh as a daisy (=not tired and ready to do things).arrivelook12fresh from something a) (also fresh out of something American English) having just finished your education or training, and not having a lot of experience: He’s fresh out of law school. b)having just come from a particular place or experience: The team is fresh from their victory over the French.be13get/be fresh with somebody old-fashioned to behave rudely in a way which shows sexual interest, or lack of respect—freshnessfreshnessesfreshness noun [uncountable]: the freshness of the early morningthe freshness and vitality of youthTHESAURUSnew: a new sports centresport | a new edition of the book | an entirely new theory of time and spacebrand new completely new: a brand new car | The house looks brand new.lookrecent made, produced etc a short time ago: recent research into brain chemistrythe latest [only before noun] the most recent: Have you seen his latest film?seelate | the latest fashions from Parislatefashionmodern different from earlier things of the same kind because of using new methods, equipment, or designs: modern technology | modern farming methodsfarmmethod | a modern kitchenoriginal new and completely different from what other people have done or thought of before, especially in a way that seems interesting: The play is highly original.be | His style is completely original.befresh fresh ideas, evidence, or ways of doing things are new and different, and are used instead of previous ones: We need a fresh approach to the problem. | They want young people with fresh ideas.idea | Police think they may have found some fresh evidence that links him to the murder.findlinknovel new and different in a surprising and unusual way – used especially about a suggestion, experience, or way of doing something: The club have come up with a novel way of raising cash.raise | The King was passionately in love, which was a novel experience for him.bebeinnovative completely new and showing a lot of imagination – used especially about a design or way of doing something: an attractive website with an innovative design | They came up with an innovative approach to the problem.comerevolutionary completely new in a way that has a very big effect – used especially about an idea, method, or invention: a revolutionary treatment for breast cancer | His theories were considered to be revolutionary at the time.theorybeconsidernew-fangled [only before noun] used about something that is new and modern but which you disapprove of: My grandfather hated all this newfangled technology.hate
freshadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesfreshfreshfresh2 adverb1NEWfresh-made/fresh-cut/fresh-grated etc especially American English recently made, cut etc: fresh-ground coffeegrind2be fresh out of something American English spokenENOUGH to have just used your last supplies of something: I’m fresh out of beer. Will you take a cola instead?
(also forwardsforwards /-wədz $ -wərdz/) adverb1FRONTtowards a place or position that is in front of you OPP backwards: He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table.leanelbowrestThe crowd surged forwards.surgeforwardShe took another small step forward.take2PROGRESStowards greater progress, improvement, or development: We agreed that the sensible way forward was for a new company to be formed.agreebeformAfter the Labour Party conference, he stated that we could now go forward as a united party.statecanuniteBritain is now ready to move forward.be3FUTUREtowards the future in a way that is hopeful OPP backwards: I felt that at last I could begin to look forward.feelcan4from that/this day/time/moment etc forwardSTART TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETC beginning on that day or at that time: They never met again from that day forward.meet5go forward to/into to successfully complete one stage of a competition so that you are able to compete in the next stage: South Korea went forward into the next round of the World Cup.go6if you put a clock or a watch forward, you change it so that it shows a later time, for example when the time changes to British Summer Time OPP back: We put our watches forward by 2 hours.watchhourThe clocks go forward this weekend.clock7in or towards the front part of a ship → fast-forward, → backwards and forwards at backwards(5)
forwardadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesforwardforwarderforwardestforwardforward2 S2 W3 adjectiveLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: foreweard, from fore- + -ward 1[only before noun]FRONT closer to a person, place, or position that is in front of you OPP backward:
Army roadblocks prevented any further forward movement.roadblockpreventfarAlways enter or leave a helicopter from a forward direction.2forward planning/thinkingPLAN plans, ideas etc that are helpful in a way that prepares you for the future: With a bit of forward planning we make sure your budget goes as far as possible.biteplango3no further forwardPROGRESS not having made much progress, especially compared to what was expected: We are no further forward in solving the crime.befarsolve4[only before noun]FRONT at or near the front of a ship, vehicle, building etc OPP rear: We sat in one of the forward sections of the train.sitsection5formalRUDE/IMPOLITE too confident and friendly in dealing with people you do not know very well: My father thinks she’s far too forward for a young girl.think
forwardverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesforwardforwardsforwardedforwardingforwardforward3 verb [transitive]Verb form1to send letters, goods etc to someone when they have moved to a different address SYN send on: Would you make sure that you forward my mail promptly?will2to send letters, information etc to someoneforward something to somebodyFlight times will be forwarded to you with your travel documentation.timeforward3formalDEVELOP to help something to develop so that it becomes successful SYN further: a good chance to forward my career
forwardnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesforwardforwardsforwardforward4 noun [countable] an attacking player on a team in sports such as football and basketball → back, defender
verb (past tense and past participle caught /kɔːt $ kɒːt/)
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old North French
Origin: cachier ‘to hunt’, from Vulgar Latin captiare, from Latin captare ‘to try to catch’, from capere ‘to take’ Verb form
1take and holdHOLD a)[intransitive and transitive]HOLD to get hold of and stop an object such as a ball that is moving through the air → throw: Stephen leapt up and caught the ball in one hand.leapcatch‘Pass me that pen, would you?’ ‘Here you are. Catch!’willbeThe kids were throwing and catching a frisbee down on the beach.kidbethrowcatch b)[transitive]HOLD to suddenly take hold of someone or something with your hand: He caught her elbow to steady her.catchMiss Perry caught hold of my sleeve and pulled me back.catchpull2STOP/TRAP SBfind/stop somebody [transitive] a)CATCHto stop someone after you have been chasing them and not let them get away: ‘You can’t catch me!’ she yelled, running away.yellrun b)CATCHto find a criminal or enemy and stop them from escaping SYN capture: State police have launched a massive operation to catch the murderer.launchIf you go back to the city, you’re bound to get caught.bindcatch3see somebody doing somethingFIND SB DOING STHCATCH [transitive] to see someone doing something that they did not want you to know they were doingcatch somebody doing somethingI caught him reading my private letters.catchreadletterGemma turned around and caught the stranger looking at her intently.turncatchstrangelookcatch somebody in the act (of doing something) (=catch someone while they are doing something illegal)The gang was caught in the act of unloading the cigarettes.becatchunloadcigaretteHe was caught red-handed (=as he was doing something wrong) taking money from the cash register.becatchhandtakecatch somebody at itWe knew he’d been cheating, but we’d never caught him at it before.knowbecheatcatch4illness [transitive]GET to get an infectious disease: Anton caught malaria in Mali, and nearly died.catchdieMany young people are still ignorant about how HIV is caught.bebecatchcatch something from/off somebody/somethingTyphoid and cholera are often caught from contaminated water supplies.becatchcontaminatesupplyI caught chicken pox off my friend at school.catchcatch your death (of cold) British English spoken (=get a very bad cold)Don’t stand out in the rain. You’ll catch your death.5catch somebody by surprise, catch somebody off guard, catch somebody napping/unawares (also catch somebody on the hop British English)EXPECT to do something or to happen when someone is not expecting it or prepared for it: Her question caught him off guard.catch6catch somebody with their pants/trousers down to discover that someone is doing something that they should not be doing or has not done something that they should have done: He’s not the first politician to be caught with his pants down, and he won’t be the last.catchpantwin7animal/fish [transitive]CATCH to trap an animal or fish by using a trap, net, or hook, or by hunting it: Did you catch any fish?doEarly settlers caught rabbits and squirrels and even rats in order to survive.settlercatchrabbitsquirrelrat8catch a train/plane/busON TIME to get on a train, plane etc in order to travel on it, or to be in time to get on a train, plane etc before it leaves: I caught the 7.15 train to London.catchThere’s a train in now. If you run, you’ll just catch it.I have to hurry – I have a bus to catch.9not miss somebody/somethingBE IN TIME [transitive] to not be too late to do something, see something, talk to someone etc OPP miss: I managed to catch her just as she was leaving.managebeleaveI just caught the last few minutes of the documentary.catchminuteTumours like these can be treated quite easily if they’re caught early enough.tumourtreatcatchcatch the post British English (=post letters in time for them to be collected that day)10get stuck [intransitive and transitive]NOT MOVING if your hand, finger, clothing etc catches or is caught in something, it gets stuck in it accidentally: His overalls caught in the engine.overallcatchHer microphone was forever getting caught on her clothes.begetcatchclothe11catch sb’s attention/interest/imagination etcNOTICE to make you notice something and feel interested in it: Lucie whistled sharply to catch the other girl’s attention.whistleThis is a story that will catch the imagination of every child.be12not catch somethingHEAR spoken to not hear or understand what someone says: I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.13hear [transitive] to manage to hear a sound: I caught the muffled thud of a car door slamming in the street.catchmuffleslam14catch you later spoken used to say goodbye: ‘I’ll give you a call in a couple of days.’ ‘Okay. Catch you later.’daylate15do/see something [transitive] especially American English spoken to go somewhere in order to do or see something: We could catch a movie (=go to a movie).canM Records caught his act and signed him immediately.recordcatchsign16catch a ride American English spoken to go somewhere in someone else’s car: I caught a ride as far as Columbus.catch17you won’t catch me doing something (also you won’t catch me somewhere) spokenNEVER used to say that you would never do something: I love dancing but you won’t catch me being the first on the dance floor!dancewinbe18catch itPUNISH informal to be punished by someone such as a parent or teacher because you have done something wrong: You’ll catch it if Dad finds out.find19SEEcatch a glimpse of somebody/something to see someone or something for a very short time: Fans waited for hours at the airport to catch a glimpse of their idol.fanwaithour20catch sight of somebody/something to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for or have been hoping to see: I caught sight of her in the crowd.catch21describe well [transitive]DESCRIBE to show or describe the character or quality of something well in a picture, piece of writing etc SYN capture: a novel that catches the mood of post-war Britaincatch22BURNburn a)catch fireBURN if something catches fire, it starts to burn accidentally: Two farm workers died when a barn caught fire.workerdiecatch b)[intransitive]BURN if a fire catches, it starts to burn: For some reason the charcoal wasn’t catching.catch23catch sb’s eye a)to attract someone’s attention and make them look at something: Out on the freeway, a billboard caught his eye.catch b)to look at someone at the same moment that they are looking at you: Every time she caught his eye, she would glance away embarrassed.catchwillembarrass24catch yourself doing somethingREALIZE to suddenly realize you are doing something: Standing there listening to the song, he caught himself smiling from ear to ear.standlistencatchsmile25hit [transitive]HIT to hit someone in or on a particular part of their body: The punch caught him right in the face.catch26be/get caught in/without etc somethingDIFFICULT to be in a situation that you cannot easily get out of or in which you do not have something you need: We got caught in a rainstorm on the way here.getcatchHere’s a useful tip if you’re caught without a mirror.catch27catch your breath a)PAUSEto pause for a moment after a lot of physical effort in order to breathe normally again: Hang on a minute – let me catch my breath! b)BREATHEto stop breathing for a moment because something has surprised, frightened, or shocked you c)to take some time to stop and think about what you will do next after having been very busy or active: It was an enforced absence from work, but at least it gave me a little time to catch my breath before the final push.beenforcelittlegive28container [transitive]KEEP/STORE if a container catches liquid, it is in a position where the liquid falls into it: Place the baking sheet under the muffin pan to catch the drips.bakedrip29shine [transitive]SHINY if the light catches something or if something catches the light, the light shines on it: The sunlight caught her hair and turned it to gold.catchturn30catch the sun informal if you catch the sun, your skin becomes red and sometimes sore because of the effects of sunlight: You’ve caught the sun on the back of your neck.catch31wind [transitive] if something catches the wind or the wind catches something, it blows on it: Gary swung the sail round to catch the light wind.swing32sportSPORT a)[transitive] to end a player’s innings in cricket by catching the ball that is hit off their bat before it touches the ground b)[intransitive] to be the catcher in a game of baseballTHESAURUSMeaning 2catch to stop someone who is trying to escape, especially by running after them and then holding them: He raced after her, but he couldn’t catch her.race | The police caught the bank robbers after a car chase through the city.catchrobberarrest if the police arrest someone, they take him or her to a police station because they think that person has done something illegal: Wayne was arrested for dangerous driving.bearrestdrive | The police arrested him and charged him with murder.arrestchargeapprehend formal if the police apprehend someone they think has done something illegal, they catch him or her: The two men were later apprehended after they robbed another store.manbelateapprehendrob | The killers were never apprehended.killerbeapprehend | All of the kidnappers were apprehended and convicted.beapprehendconvictcapture to catch an enemy or a criminal in order to keep them as a prisoner: The French king was captured by the English at the battle of Poitiers in 1356.becapture | The gunmen were finally captured after a shoot-out with the police.gunmanbecapturetake somebody prisoner to catch someone, especially in a war, in order to keep them as a prisoner: 350 soldiers were killed and another 300 taken prisoner.soldierbekilltake | Ellison was taken prisoner by the Germans during the retreat to Dunkirk.betaketrap to make someone go to a place from which they cannot escape, especially by using your skill and intelligence: Police trapped the man inside a bar on the city’s southside.trapcorner to force someone into a place from which they cannot escape: He was cornered outside the school by three gang members.becornermembercatch at something phrasal verb HOLDto try to take hold of something: She caught at his arm, ‘Hang on. I’m coming with you.’catchcomecatch on phrasal verb1POPULARto become popular and fashionable: The idea of glasses being a fashion item has been slow to catch on.glassbehavebe2UNDERSTANDto begin to understand or realize somethingcatch on toIt was a long time before the police caught on to what he was really doing.becatchbedocatch somebody out phrasal verb1MISTAKEto make someone make a mistake, especially deliberately and in order to prove that they are lying: The interviewer may try to catch you out.2READYif something unexpected catches you out, it puts you in a difficult situation because you were not expecting it or not fully prepared for it: Even the best whitewater rafters get caught out by the fierce rapids here.wellraftercatchcatch up phrasal verb1IMPROVEto improve and reach the same standard as other people in your class, group etc: If you miss a lot of classes, it’s very difficult to catch up.classcatch up withAt the moment our technology is more advanced, but other countries are catching up with us.beadvancecountrybecatch2CATCHto come from behind and reach someone in front of you by going fastercatch up withDrive faster – they’re catching up with us.fastcatchcatch somebody up British English: You go on ahead. I’ll catch you up in a minute.3NOWto do what needs to be done because you have not been able to do it until nowcatch up onI have some work to catch up on.I need to catch up on some sleep (=after a period without enough sleep).4to spend time finding out what has been happening while you have been away or during the time you have not seen someonecatch up onWhen I got home I phoned Jo to catch up on all the gossip.getphoneI’ll leave you two alone – I’m sure you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.getcatch5be/get caught up in somethingTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to be or get involved in something, especially something bad: I didn’t want to get caught up in endless petty arguments.catchargumentcatch up with somebody phrasal verb1CATCHto finally find someone who has been doing something illegal and punish them: It took six years for the law to catch up with them.takeyear2AVOIDif something bad from the past catches up with you, you cannot avoid dealing with it any longer: At the end of the movie his murky past catches up with him.catch
catchnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescatchcatchescatchcatch2 noun1[countable]HOLD an act of catching a ball that has been thrown or hit: Hey! Nice catch!2[countable usually singular] informalPROBLEM a hidden problem or difficulty: This deal looks too good to be true – there must be a catch somewhere.lookthe catch is (that)The catch is that you can’t enter the competition unless you’ve spent $100 in the store.bespend3[countable] a hook or something similar for fastening a door or lid and keeping it shut4[countable] a quantity of fish that has been caught at one time5[uncountable] a simple game in which two or more people throw a ball to each other: Let’s go outside and play catch.6a catch in your voice/throat a short pause that you make when you are speaking, because you feel upset or are beginning to cry: There was a catch in Anne’s voice and she seemed close to tears.beseemtear7a (good) catchMARRYWANT someone who is a good person to have a relationship with or to marry because they are rich, attractive etc – often used humorously
noun (plural crises /-siːz/) [uncountable and countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: Greek krisis ‘decision’, from krinein; → CRITERION 1SERIOUS SITUATIONa situation in which there are a lot of problems that must be dealt with quickly so that the situation does not get worse or more dangerous → emergency:
The country now faces an economic crisis.faceThe Prime Minister was criticized for the way in which he handled the crisis.becriticizehandlethe current debt crisisa major political crisisI was relieved that we had averted yet another financial crisis.berelievehaveavertOil companies were heavily criticized when they made large profits during the oil crisis of the 1970s.companybecriticizemakeprofitThe car industry is now in crisis.beHe doesn’t seem to be very good at crisis management.2SERIOUS SITUATIONa time when a personal emotional problem or situation has reached its worst point: an emotional crisisIn times of crisis, you find out who your real friends are.timefriendbeHe seems to be going through a crisis.seemgoShe has reached a crisis point in her career.havereachBoth parties experienced an identity crisis (=feeling of uncertainty about their purpose) at the end of the '90s.partyexperience3crisis of confidenceBELIEVE a situation in which people no longer believe that a government or an economic system is working properly, and will no longer support it or work with it: There seems to be a crisis of confidence in the economy.seem4crisis of conscience a situation in which someone feels worried or uncomfortable because they have done something which they think is wrong or immoral → midlife crisisCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesan economic/political/financial etc crisis The country was headed into an economic crisis.beheada constitutional crisis (=relating to the way a country is governed) The scandal caused the greatest constitutional crisis of modern times.causegreattimea major/serious/deep/severe crisis Our farming industry has been hit by a serious crisis.farmhavebea worsening/deepening crisis The strikes came during a worsening economic crisis.strikecomeworsenverbscreate/cause/provoke a crisis The people fled the country, creating a huge refugee crisis.fleecreateprecipitate a crisis formal (=start one) The rising oil prices precipitated an energy crisis.risepriceprecipitateface a crisis Many families are facing a debt crisis.familybefaceresolve/overcome a crisis (=deal with it so that it no longer exists) We still hope that the hostage crisis can be resolved by negotiation.resolvehandle a crisis (=deal with one) Can he handle the crisis in our prisons?prisondefuse a crisis (=stop it developing further) Diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis have failed.effortfailavert a crisis (=stop it happening) More talks were proposed in an attempt to avert the crisis.talkbeproposeNOUN + crisisa debt/food/housing etc crisis The failure of the crop this year will create a food crisis.a cash crisis (=a lack of money) In April the company sold another 30% of its stock to ease its cash crisis.sellan energy/oil/fuel crisis There is an energy crisis here, with power cuts happening daily.becuthappencrisis + NOUNcrisis management (=dealing with a crisis) Most of my job consists of crisis management.consistcrisis point (=the point at which a problem becomes a crisis) Events were now reaching crisis point.eventbereacha crisis situation Emergency powers were needed to deal with the crisis situation.powerbeneedcrisis talks (=discussions about a crisis) The Prime Minister went back to London for crisis talks.gotalk
noun
Word family1anger/sadness/joy etc [countable]FEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETC an emotion that you feel, such as anger, sadness, or happiness: Knowing we'd won was a wonderful feeling.knowwinbefeelfeeling ofa terrible feeling of guiltfeel2way somebody thinks/feels feelings [plural] someone’s feelings are their thoughts, emotions, and attitudes: He’s considerate of other people’s feelings.feeling3opinion [countable]THINK/HAVE THE OPINION THAT a belief or opinion about something, especially one that is influenced by your emotions: My personal feeling is that not enough has been done.feelbehavebedofeeling onShe has strong feelings on the issue of abortion.havefeelingfeeling abouta survey on people’s feelings about the candidatesfeelingcandidateHis gut feeling (=opinion based on emotion) was that Burns was probably guilty.feelbeburnbeI had this funny feeling (=not easily explained) that something was wrong.havefeelbe4have/get the feeling (that)KNOW STH to think that something is probably true, or will probably happenhave/get the feeling (that) (that)Leslie suddenly got the feeling that somebody was watching her.getfeelbewatchHe had a sneaking feeling (=a slight feeling that something is true, without being sure) that they were laughing at him.havesneakfeelbelaughGary had a sinking feeling (=had a sudden bad feeling that something was true) that he was making a mistake.havesinkfeelbemakehave/get the feeling (that) aboutI have a good feeling about this. I think it’s going to work.feelgo5general attitude [uncountable]ATTITUDE a general attitude among a group of people about a subject: the anti-American feeling in the regionfeelfeeling against/in favour ofJohnson underestimated the strength of public feeling against the war.underestimatefeelthe depth of feeling against nuclear weaponsfeelweapon6heat/cold/pain etc [countable]FEEL HOT/COLD/TIRED ETC something that you feel in your body, such as heat, cold, tiredness etc: I keep getting this funny feeling (=a strange feeling) in my neck.getfeelfeeling offeelings of dizzinessfeeling7ability to feel [uncountable]FEEL HOT/COLD/TIRED ETC the ability to feel pain, heat etc in part of your body: Harry had lost all feeling in his toes.havelosefeeltoe8effect of a place/book etc [singular]EFFECT/INFLUENCE the effect that a place, book, film etc has on people and the way it makes them feelfeeling ofthe town’s strong feeling of historyfeelIt gives a feeling of eating outdoors, without having to worry about being rained on.givefeeleathaveberain9I know the feeling spokenUNDERSTAND said when you understand how someone feels because you have had the same experience: ‘It’s so embarrassing when you can’t remember someone’s name.’ ‘I know the feeling.’embarrassfeel10the feeling is mutual spoken said when you have the same feeling about someone as they have towards you: My dad hated my boyfriend, and the feeling was mutual.hatefeelbe11bad/ill feelingANGRY anger, lack of trust etc between people, especially after an argument or unfair decision: The changes have caused a lot of ill feeling among the workforce.changecausefeel12with feelingEMOTIONAL in a way that shows you feel very angry, happy etc: Chang spoke with great feeling about the injustices of the regime.speakfeelinjustice13a feeling for something a)CANan ability to do something or understand a subject, which you get from experience: an orchestra that has always shown a special feeling for Brahms’ musichaveshowfeel b)CANa natural ability to do something SYN talent: He has a natural feeling for mathematical ideas.havefeelidea14emotions not thought [uncountable]EMOTIONAL a way of reacting to things using your emotions, instead of thinking about them carefully: The Romantic writers valued feeling above all else.writervaluefeel → no hard feelings at hard1(19), → hurt sb’s feelings at hurt1(4)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivesa good/great/wonderful etc feeling It's a great feeling when you try something new and it works.feelworkdeep A deep feeling of sadness came over her.feelcomestrong/intense There was a strong feeling of anger among the workers.befeelworkerverbsexperience a feeling I remember experiencing a feeling of tremendous excitement.experiencefeelgive somebody a feeling My work gives me a feeling of achievement.givefeelarouse a feeling (=cause it) The music aroused a feeling of calm within him.arousefeelhurt somebody's feelings (=make someone feel upset) I hope I didn't hurt your feelings.feelinghide your feelings She could no longer hide her feelings.canlongfeelingshow your feelings I know you find it embarrassing to show your feelings.embarrassfeelingexpress your feelings (also put your feelings into words) (=tell other people what you are feeling or thinking) Children sometimes find it difficult to put their feelings into words.childfeelingwordphraseshave mixed feelings (=have both positive and negative feelings) Her parents had mixed feelings about the marriage.parenthavemixfeelingfeelings are running high (=people have strong feelings, especially of anger) It was the last game of the season, and feelings were running high.befeelingberun
feelingadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfeelingfeelingfeeling2 adjective EMOTIONALshowing strong feelings: a feeling lookfeel—feelinglyfeelingly adverb
noun [uncountable]Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: casse ‘money box’, from Old Italian cassa, from Latin capsa; → CASE1 1MONEYmoney in the form of coins or notes rather than cheques, credit cards etc:
Cash was taken during a burglary of the apartment.betakein cashThe traffic police will accept fines in cash immediately.fineThe shop charges less if the customer pays in cash.chargelittlepay → hard cash, petty cash2MONEYmoney: Health and education need cash from the government.A phone line to help children in trouble has been closed due to lack of cash.childhavebecloseCharity workers must constantly raise more cash (=collect more money) for the needy.workerThe company found itself strapped for cash (=without enough money) to pay taxes.findstraptax3cash down British English, cash up front American EnglishPAY FOR if you pay for something cash down, you pay before you receive it4cash on deliveryPAY FOR (abbreviation COD) a payment system in which the customer pays the person who delivers the goods to themCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsraise cash She organized a series of events to raise cash for cancer charities.organizeeventcharityprovide cash Campaigners are urging the government to provide more cash for health care.beurgegenerate cash The website generates cash from advertising, and by charging for downloads.generateadvertisechargedownloadpay (by) cash They won’t take credit cards, so you have to pay cash.wincardadjectivesspare cash You should put any spare cash into a savings account.shallsavingcash + NOUNcash flow (=the amount of money coming into a business compared to money going out) The company was having a few problems with cash flow.behaveproblema cash crisis (=a serious lack of money in an organization or country) the cash crisis in some developing countriesdevelopcountrya cash prize (=a prize that is money) The winner will get a cash prize of £10,000.a cash boost (=more money that is suddenly given to a project, business etc) Conservation projects in the region are being given a cash boost of £40,000.projectbebegivecash resources The organization’s cash resources are limited.resourcebelimita cash reserve formal (=an amount of spare money that you have available to use) Experts always advise people to build up a cash reserve.experta cash crop (=a crop grown to sell rather than to use) The land is used to grow cash crops like cocoa, tea, and coffee.beusecropphrasesbe strapped for cash (also be short of cash) (=not have enough money) Many airlines are strapped for cash at the moment.airlinebestrapTHESAURUSmoney what you use to buy things, in the form of notes or coins: He spent all his money on computer equipment.spendcash money in the form of coins and notes: I didn’t have any cash with me.currency the money used in a particular country: The dollar gained in value against other currencies.gaincurrency | a single European currencychange money in the form of coins of low value: Do you have any small change? | a pocketful of loose changenote British English, bill American English a piece of paper money: a £20 note | a $5 billcoin a flat round piece of metal used as money: She put some coins in the parking meter.coinpark | He took a coin out of his pocket.takea ten-pence/50-cent etc piece a coin worth a particular amount
cashverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplescashcashescashedcashingcashcash2 S3 verb [transitive]Verb form cash a cheque/postal order/draft etc to exchange a cheque etc for the amount of money it is worth: Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at most hotels for a small charge.chequecashhotelWhere can I get this cashed?cash—cashablecashable adjectivecash in phrasal verb1PROFITto make a profit from a situation in a way that other people think is wrong or unfaircash in onThe record company was trying to cash in on her fame by releasing early teenage recordings.betryreleaserecording2cash something ↔ in to exchange something such as an insurance policy for its value in money3cash in your chipsDIE to die – used humorouslycash up British English, cash outcash out American English phrasal verb to add up the amount of money received in a shop in a day so that it can be checked
noun (plural factories) [countable]Date: 1500-1600Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: factoria, from Latin factor; → FACTOR1 a building or group of buildings in which goods are produced in large quantities, using machines:
a car factoryfactory workersworkerCOLLOCATIONSNOUN + factorya car/textile/shoe etc factory There is a large car factory where many of the local people work.befactory + NOUNa factory worker The factory workers are threatening to go on strike.workerbethreatena factory owner The factory owner placed a large order for some new equipment.placea factory manager He held the position of factory manager.holda factory inspector (=an official whose job is to check that laws or rules related to factories are being obeyed) Factory inspectors reported that safety precautions had been ignored.inspectorreportprecautionhavebeignorethe factory gates (=the entrance to a factory) A crowd of protesters had gathered outside the factory gates.protesterhavegathergateverbsopen a factory The company has just opened a new factory in Swindon.haveopenclose/shut (down) a factory The factory was closed down in 2006.beclosework in a factory Donna works in a shoe factory.worka factory produces/makes something The factory produces an incredible 100 cars per hour.producecarTHESAURUSfactory a building or group of buildings in which goods are produced in large quantities, using machines: She works in a chocolate factory.work | a clothing factoryclotheplant a large factory where cars, chemicals, or energy is produced: Local residents are protesting about the new nuclear power plant.residentbeprotest | a car plant | a nuclear power plantfacility a factory. Facility is often used instead of factory in business English: The new production facility is one of the most up-to-date in the area.beworks used in the following compounds to describe a factory that produces a particular thing: a steelworks/ironworks/brickworks/a chemical/cement works/a printing worksmill a factory that produces paper, cotton, or cloth: a paper mill | The textile mill has been converted into luxury flats.havebeconvertflatshipyard a place where ships are built or repaired: The vessel was built in the Kobe shipyard.bebuildfoundry a factory where metal is made into things using moulds: Mandela’s statue was cast here in a local foundry.besweatshop disapproving a small factory where people work hard in bad conditions for very little money: The company was fined for selling goods produced in sweatshops.befinesellgoodproducesweatshop
verbDate: 1200-1300Origin: Probably from a Scandinavian language Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]GUESS to try to answer a question or form an opinion when you are not sure whether you will be correct:
I’d say he’s around 50, but I’m only guessing.guessguess right/correctly/wrongIf you guess correctly, you have another turn.guess what/who/how etcYou can guess what happened next.happenguess atWe can only guess at the cause of the crash.What star sign are you? No, let me guess.bedifficult/hard/easy etc to guessIt’s hard to guess his age because he dyes his hair.dye2[intransitive and transitive] to realize that something is true even though you do not know for certainguess (that)I guessed that you must be related because you look so similar.guessrelateguess fromI guessed from his expression that he already knew about the accident.guessknowCan you guess the identity of this week’s special guest?3keep somebody guessingGUESS to make someone feel excited or not sure about what will happen next: a thriller that keeps audiences guessingkeepaudienceguess4I guess spoken a)used to say that you think something is true or likely, although you are not sure: His light’s on, so I guess he’s still up. b)used to say that you will do something even though you do not really want to: I’m tired, so I guess I’ll stay home tonight.tire5I guess so/not spoken used to agree or disagree with a statement or question: ‘You’re one lucky guy.’ ‘I guess so.’‘I don’t really have any choice, do I?’ ‘I guess not.’6guess what/you’ll never guess who/what etc spokenGUESS used before you tell someone something that will surprise them: Guess what! Bradley’s resigned.resignYou’ll never guess who I saw today.see → second-guess
guessnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesguessguessesguessguess2 S3 noun [countable]1GUESSan attempt to answer a question or make a judgement when you are not sure whether you will be correct: I’d say she’s about 35, but that’s only a guess.2be anybody’s guessNOT KNOW to be something that no one knows: What she’s going to do with her life now is anybody’s guess.gobe3your guess is as good as mine spokenDON'T CARE used to tell someone that you do not know any more than they do about somethingCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a guess I didn't know the answer to question 7, so I just had to make a guess.havehave a guess British English, take a guess AmE: Go on, have a guess at how much it cost. | Take a guess. How many people do you think showed up?showhazard a guess (=guess something, when you feel very uncertain) No one at this stage is prepared to hazard a guess about the outcome of the elections.beprepareelectionadjectivesa rough guess (=one that is not exact) This is just a rough guess, but I think it would cost about $50.bewilla wild guess (=one made without much thought or information) I made a wild guess and I got the answer right first time.makegeta lucky guess ‘How did you know?’ ‘It was just a lucky guess.’dobea good guess (=one that is likely to be right) I'm not sure how old she is, but I can make a good guess!besb’s best guess (=one that you think is most likely to be right) My best guess is that it will take around six months.wellbemonthan educated/informed guess (=a guess based on things that you know are correct) Stockbrokers try to make educated guesses as to which stocks will do well.stockbrokereducateguessstockan intelligent guess Analysis of the archaeological site will help us make an intelligent guess as to what it was used for.beusean inspired guess (=a very good guess that you make suddenly) It’s hard to believe he got that right with just an inspired guess.getinspirephrasesmy guess is (that) My guess is there won’t be many people there.bewinat a guess British English (=used when saying that you are making a guess) I'd say it was built around the turn of the century, at a guess.bebuildI’ll give you three guesses (=used to tell someone that it should be easy for them to guess the answer to their question) ‘Where is he?’ ‘I’ll give you three guesses.’beguess
adverbWord family MOSTmostly or mainly: The state of Nevada is largely desert.beIt had been a tiring day, largely because of all the tedious waiting.havebetirewaitTHESAURUSin general used when saying that something is usually true in most situations, or about most people or things: In general, temporary jobs are less well-paid.jobbelittlepay | In general, the bigger a company becomes, the harder it is to maintain customer satisfaction.bigbecomehardbegenerally another way of saying ‘in general’, which is often used before a verb. Generally can also be used to say that most people have a particular opinion: Women generally live longer than men.womanlongman | Newton is generally regarded as the father of modern science.beregardgenerally speaking/as a rule other ways of saying ‘in general’: Generally speaking, large breeds of dog are becoming less popular.speakbreedbebecomelittle | He’s a singer who doesn’t do interviews, as a rule.interview | The graduates are, generally speaking, a confident and articulate group of young people.graduatebespeakmostly/mainly/largely used when saying that something is true about most people or things, or about most of something. Largely is slightly more formal than mostly or mainly: The disease mainly affects women.affectwoman | Their attempts were largely unsuccessful.attemptbe | The students were mostly French and German, but there were a few Japanese students too.studentbebestudentfor the most part used when saying that something is true in most cases, but not in every case: These problems have for the most part been resolved.problemberesolve | For the most part, the gangs were made up of boys aged between 11 and 16.gangbemakeboyageby and large/on the whole used for saying that something is true in most ways or in most cases: The project was, by and large, a success.be | On the whole, people were very friendly.be
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: hoste; → HOST1 1KEEP SB IN A PLACEsomeone who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands → kidnap:
The group are holding two tourists hostage (=keeping them as hostages).beholdtourista family taken hostage at gunpointtake2be (a) hostage to something to be influenced and controlled by something, so that you are not free to do what you want: Our country must not be held hostage to our past.hold3a hostage to fortuneRISK something that you have promised to do that may cause you problems in the futureTHESAURUSprisoner someone who is kept in a prison as a punishment for a crime, or while they are waiting for their trial: Prisoners may be locked in their cells for twenty-two hours a day.prisonerlockcellhour | a prisoner serving a life sentence for murderserveconvict especially written someone who has been found guilty of a crime and sent to a prison. Convict is used especially about someone who is sent to prison for a long time. It is more commonly used in historical descriptions, or in the phrase an escaped convict: The convicts were sent from England to Australia.convictbesend | Police were hunting for an escaped convict.behuntescape | Low-risk convicts help to fight forest fires and clean up public lands.convictfirelandinmate someone who is kept in a prison or a mental hospital: Some inmates are allowed to have special privileges.inmatebeallowprivilege | He was described by a fellow inmate as a quiet man.bedescribecaptive especially literary someone who is kept somewhere and not allowed to go free, especially in a war or fighting. Captive is a rather formal word which is used especially in literature: Their objective was to disarm the enemy and release the captives.becaptive | She was held captive (=kept as a prisoner) in the jungle for over three years.beholdyearprisoner of war a soldier, member of the navy etc who is caught by the enemy during a war and kept in the enemy’s country: My grandad was a prisoner of war in Germany.be | They agreed to release two Iranian prisoners of war.agreeprisonerhostage someone who is kept somewhere as a prisoner, in order to force people to agree to do something, for example in order to get money or to achive a political aim: Diplomats are continuing their efforts to secure the release of the hostages.diplomatbecontinueefforthostage | The US hostages were held in Tehran for over a year.hostagebeholddetainee/internee someone who is kept in a prison, usually because of their political views and often without a trial: In some cases, political detainees have been beaten or mistreated.casedetaineebebeatmistreat | 23,531 people passed through the camps between 1944 and 1962, including 14,647 political internees.passcampincludeinternee | the detainees at Guantanamo Baydetainee
noun (plural gases or gasses)Sense 1-3, 6-9:Date: 1600-1700
Language: Modern Latin
Origin: Greek khaos ‘empty space’; → CHAOSSense 4-5:
Date: 1900-2000
Origin: gasoline 1[uncountable and countable] a substance such as air, which is not solid or liquid, and usually cannot be seen:
hydrogen gastoxic/poisonous/noxious gasesa cloud of toxic gasa gas cylinder/bottle (=for storing gas) → greenhouse gas2[uncountable] a clear substance like air that is burned for heating or cookinggas cooker/stove/ovenCan you light the gas for me?The explosion was caused by a gas leak from the water heater.because3gas mark 4/5/6 etc British English a measurement of the temperature of a gas oven4[uncountable] American English (also gasoline) a liquid made from petroleum, used mainly for producing power in the engines of cars, trucks etc SYN petrol British English: I probably spend over $200 a month on gas.The mechanic found a hole in the gas tank.find5the gas American English the gas pedal of a car SYN accelerator: We stepped on the gas (=pushed down the gas pedal and made the car go faster) and sped away.stepspeed6[uncountable] a clear substance like air that is used for medical reasons, for example to make people feel less pain or make them sleep during an operation: an anaesthetic gas → laughing gas7[uncountable] a type of gas used as a weapon, because it harms or kills people when they breathe it in: mustard gas → nerve gas, poison gas, tear gas8[uncountable] American English informal the condition of having a lot of air in your stomach SYN wind British English9a gas American English old-fashioned spokenFUNNY something that is fun and makes you laugh a lotCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + gasnatural gas (=gas used for cooking and heating, taken from under the earth or from under the sea) The main part of natural gas is methane.bea poisonous/toxic gas Carbon monoxide is the main poisonous gas in car exhaust.bea noxious gas (=a harmful or poisonous gas) A noxious gas was discovered to be leaking from the pipe.bediscoverleaka greenhouse gas (=a gas, especially carbon monoxide or methane, that is thought to trap heat above the earth and cause the Earth's surface to become warmer) We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.emissionnerve gas (=a poisonous gas used in war to kill or paralyse people) Troops were exposed to low levels of nerve gas during the conflict.troopbeexposeleveltear gas (=a gas that stings your eyes, used by the police to control crowds) Police using tear gas had clashed with protestors.usehaveclashgas + NOUNa gas cooker/oven/stove Gas cookers are more efficient than electric ones.cookerbeonea gas fire (=an object that burns gas to heat a room) She turned on the gas fire.turna gas cylinder (=a large container for gas) One of the gas cylinders exploded.cylinderexplodea gas bottle (=a small container for gas) The gas bottles need to be stored in a safe place.bottlestorea gas leak (=an escape of gas through a hole in something) If you suspect a gas leak, do not strike a match or even turn on an electric light.a gas supply (=a system for supplying gas to someone's house) The engineers had quite a challenge to install the new gas supply.engineerhavegas reserves (=a supply of gas kept to be used when it is needed) Norway has far greater gas reserves than the UK.havegreatreservea gas pipeline The Chinese and Russian governments are cooperating in gas pipeline projects.governmentbecooperateprojecta gas bill (=a bill you have to pay for gas you have used) Household gas bills have increased dramatically.billincreasegas production The company expanded its gas production facilities.expandfacilitythe gas industry There are plans to nationalize the country's gas industry.beplan
gasverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesgasgasesgassedgassinggasgas2 verb (past tense and past participle gassed, present participle gassing)Verb form1[transitive] to poison or kill someone with gas2[intransitive] British English informalTALK TO SB to talk for a long time about unimportant or boring things SYN chat: They were just gassing away.begasgas up phrasal verb American English to put petrol in a car: We’d better gas up before we go.wellgas something ↔ upGeorge gassed up the car.gas
noun
1size/level [singular, uncountable]SIZELEVEL the size or level of something, or the amount that something is happeningscale ofWe had underestimated the scale of the problem.haveunderestimateon a large/small/grand etc scaleThere has been housing development on a massive scale since 1980.havebehouseMost alternative technologies work best on a small scale.technologywellA structural survey revealed the full scale of the damage.revealI was shocked by the sheer scale (=very big scale) of the destruction.beshockon a global/international/world scalePollution could cause changes to weather patterns on a global scale.canchangepatternLarge firms benefit from economies of scale (=ways of saving money because they are big).firmeconomy2range [countable usually singular]POSITION/RANK a whole range of different types of people or things, from the lowest level to the highest: Some rural schools have 50 pupils, while at the other end of the scale are city schools with nearly 5,000 pupils.schoolpupilbeschoolpupilup/down the scaleShe gradually made her way up the social scale.makeanimals which are lower down the evolutionary scale (=the range of animals that have developed gradually over a long time)animalbelow3
for weighing scales [plural] British English, scale [countable] American English a machine for weighing people or objects: a set of kitchen scalesscalesome new bathroom scales (=scales that you use to weigh yourself)scale → tip the balance/scales at tip2(6)4measuring system [countable] a system of numbers that is used for measuring the amount, speed, quality etc of somethingon a scaleThe earthquakes measured 7 on the Richter scale.earthquakemeasurechanges to the company’s pay scalechangeYour performance will be judged on a scale of 1 to 10.judgeWe use a sliding scale (=in which prices are not firmly fixed) for charges.slidcharge5measuring marks [countable] a set of marks with regular spaces between them on a tool that is used for measuring, or on the side of a mathematical drawing: a ruler with a metric scale6map/model [uncountable and countable]SIZE the relationship between the size of a map, drawing, or model and the actual size of the place or thing that it represents: a map with a scale of 1:250,000to scaleAll our models are made to scale.modelbemakescale model/drawing etc (=one done using a strict scale)a scale drawing of the Eiffel Towerdraw7music [countable] a series of musical notes that become higher or lower, with fixed distances between each note: the scale of G major8fish [countable usually plural] one of the small flat pieces of skin that cover the bodies of fish, snakes etc9teeth [uncountable] British English a white substance that forms on your teeth10water pipes [uncountable] a white substance that forms around the inside of hot water pipes or containers in which water is boiled11the scales fell from sb’s eyes literaryREALIZE used to say that someone suddenly realized something important → full-scaleCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1phraseson a large scale This technology has been developed on a large scale in the US.havebedevelopon a massive/huge scale The drug is produced on a massive scale.beproduceon a grand scale (=very large and impressive) The Romans built on a grand scale.romanbuildon a small scale They started by producing and selling on a small scale.startproducesellon a human scale (=one that is small enough for people to understand and be happy with) Architects have been asked to redesign some of the buildings on a more human scale.architectbeaskbuildingon a national scale (=involving the whole country) The survey was carried out on a national scale.becarryon an international scale (=involving more than one country) Preparations to deal with an outbreak of the disease are being made on an international scale.preparationbebemakeon a global/world scale (=involving the whole world) This is a product that can be sold in high volumes on a global scale.besellvolumeon an unprecedented scale (=more than ever before) Propaganda techniques were used on an unprecedented scale.techniquebeuseeconomies of scale (=ways of saving money that are available to large organizations) Merging these departments will create economies of scale.mergedepartmenteconomyadjectivesthe full scale of something He acknowledged that the full scale of the problem was not known.acknowledgebeknowthe sheer scale of something (=used for emphasis) He was shocked by the sheer scale of the suffering he witnessed.beshocksufferwitnessCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 2 & 4phrasesthe top of a scale At the top of the scale come the predators.predatorthe bottom of a scale He started at the bottom of the pay scale.startthe end of a scale (=the top or bottom) At the other end of the scale, the youngest competitor was just sixteen years old.youngbeyearfurther/higher up a scale Peasants managed their land as skilfully as some people higher up the social scale.peasantmanagehighfurther/lower down a scale Bonuses are not paid to people lower down the salary scale.bonusbepaylowADJECTIVES/NOUN + scale the social scale At the other end of the social scale, life is a constant struggle to get enough to eat.bethe evolutionary scale (=the way in which animals have developed over time from simple ones to more complicated and more intelligent ones) Birds are much lower on the evolutionary scale than dogs.birdbelowdoga pay/salary scale As a senior teacher, she has reached the top of her pay scale.havereachverbsmove up/down a scale Some farmers prospered and moved up the social scale.farmerprospermove
scaleverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesscalescalesscaledscalingscalescale2 verb [transitive]Verb form1CLIMBto climb to the top of something that is high and difficult to climb: Rescuers had to scale a 300-metre cliff to reach the injured climber.rescuerhaveinjure2technical to make writing or a picture the right size for a particular purposescale something to somethingThe writing can be scaled to any size, depending on the paper.writescaledepend3scale the heights to be extremely successful: By the age of 21, he had already scaled the heights in the academic world.havescaleheightscale something ↔ down/back phrasal verb REDUCEto reduce the amount or size of something → decrease: The emergency aid programme has now been scaled down.havebescalescale something ↔ up phrasal verb to increase the amount or size of something: Production at the factory is being scaled up.bebescaleTHESAURUSclimb to move up, down, or across something using your hands and feet: Most kids love climbing trees.kidclimbtree | Several fans climbed onto the roof of the arena to get a better view.fanclimbwell | She climbed down the ladder.climbascend formal to climb up something: He began to ascend the narrow winding staircase.beginwind | the first man to ascend Mount Everestgo up to climb up something such as a slope or stairs: He went up the steps to the platform.gostep | Sonia was quiet as they went up the hill.begoscale formal to climb to the top of something such as a high wall or fence: Somehow the men had scaled the twenty-foot wall without setting off the alarm.manhavescaleset | Protestors scaled the walls of the building and hung banners.scalewallbuildhangbanner | Rescuers had to scale a one-thousand-foot cliff before they could reach the injured climber.rescuerhavecaninjureclamber to climb somewhere with difficulty, using your hands to help you: At last we saw the two girls clambering down the slope to safety.seegirlclamber | Everyone clambered onto the back of the truck.clamberscramble to climb somewhere quickly and with difficulty, using your hands to help you, especially when you are walking: They scrambled up the steep rocky bank.scramble
adjective
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old English
Origin: ræde ‘prepared’ 1prepared [not before noun]READY if you are ready, you are prepared for what you are going to do:
Come on. Aren’t you ready yet?When the doorbell rang he was ready and waiting.ringbewaitready to do somethingEverything’s packed, and we’re ready to leave.packready forI don’t feel that I’m ready for my driving test yet.driveI felt strong, fit, and ready for anything.feelready withAt the end of the lecture, I was ready with questions.bequestionWhy does it take you so long to get ready to go out?domake ready (=prepare to start doing something)We made ready for our journey home.makewhen you’re ready (=said to tell someone that you are ready for them to start doing something)ready when you are (=said to tell someone that you are ready to do what you have arranged to do together) → prepare2for immediate use [not before noun]READY if something is ready, someone has prepared it and you can use it immediately: When will supper be ready?ready to use/eat etcThe computer is now set up and ready to use.beready forIs everything ready for the exhibition?beI’ve got to get a room ready for our guests.getguest3have something ready to have something near you so that you can use it if you need to: I had my calculator ready.have4be/feel ready for something spokenWANT to need or want something as soon as possible: I’m really ready for a vacation.5be ready to do something informalWILL to be likely to do something soon: She looked ready to burst into tears.looktear6willing [not before noun]WILLING very willing to do somethingready to do somethingHe was always ready to help us.beShe was ready and willing to work hard.bewill7quick [only before noun]FAST/QUICK available or coming without delay: They need to have ready access to police files.filea ready supply of drinkI had no ready answer to his question.havean intelligent man with a ready wit8ready money/cashMONEY money that you can spend immediately: The company is short of ready cash.be9ready, steady, go! British English, get ready, get set, go! American English spoken used to tell people to start a race → readily, readiness, → rough and ready at rough1(15)THESAURUSready [not before noun] having done everything that needs to be done in order to prepare for something: Are you ready? The taxi’s here.be | I don’t feel that I’m ready for the test yet.prepared [not before noun] ready to deal with a situation, because you are expecting it or have made careful preparations: The police were prepared for trouble.beprepare | The team looked well-prepared for the game.lookpreparebe all set to be ready to start doing something that you have planned to do, and be just about to do it: We were all set for a barbecue when it started to rain.bestartbe good to go American English informal be ready to start doing something after completing all the necessary preparations: We just need to get you a pair of skis and you’re good to go.skiripe ripe fruit are soft, sweet, and ready to eat: Don’t pick the apples until they’re really ripe.apple | a delicious ripe plumbe in place if the arrangements or the equipment for doing something are in place, they are ready to start being used: The television cameras were in place for the wedding.camerabe | All the arrangements are in place for a new constitution and democratic elections.arrangementbeelectionbe standing by if people are standing by, they are ready to take action and help if they are needed – used especially about medical teams, police, the army etc: Officers in full riot gear were standing by outside the police station.officerbestand | Several ambulances were standing by.ambulancebestand
readyverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesreadyreadiesreadiedreadyingreadyready2 verb (past tense and past participle readied, present participle readying, third person singular readies) [transitive]Word familyVerb form formalREADY to make something or someone ready for something SYN prepareready somebody/something for somethingI tried to ready him for the bad news.try
readynounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesreadyreadiesreadyready3 noun1at the readyPREPARE available to be used immediately: Soldiers stood around with weapons at the ready.soldierstandweapon2the readies British English informalMONEY money that you can use immediately: I’m getting a new car as soon as I can scrape together the readies.getready
readyadverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesreadyreadyready4 adverbWord family ready cooked/prepared etc already cooked, prepared etc by someone else: They seem to live on ready cooked meals.cookmeal
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Origin: Early French expresser, from Latin expressus; → EXPRESS2 Verb form1feelingSAY/STATE to tell or show what you are feeling or thinking by using words, looks, or actionsexpress your views/opinions
Bill’s not afraid to express his opinions.opinionParents have expressed their concerns about their children’s safety.parentexpressconcernchildShe expressed an interest in seeing York.expressseeexpress something in/by/through somethingExpress your reasons for applying in simple terms.reasonapplytermexpress sympathy/fear/anger etcShe doesn’t express her emotions as much as he does.emotiondoexpress thanks/gratitude (for something) (to somebody) (=thank someone in a speech or by writing a letter)Finally, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all those who have helped today.thankhelpexpress doubts/reservationsThe USA expressed reservations before agreeing to sign the agreement.expressreservationagreeMany people have expressed their opposition to the proposals.expressproposalexpress yourself (=say what you think or feel)Young children often have difficulty expressing themselves.childexpressHe first learnt to express himself through movement at his dance classes.learnclassWords can’t express (=it is impossible to describe) how angry we felt.wordfeel2particular emotionEXPRESS to show or describe a particular feeling: Many of Munch’s paintings express a deep feeling of despair.paintingfeel3EXPRESSsomething expresses itself if something expresses itself, it becomes noticeable SYN something reveals itself: Religious faith expresses itself in a variety of ways.expressway4mathematics technical to change an amount or quantity into a different form, especially in mathematicsexpress something as/in somethingExpress three-quarters as a decimal.quarterThe value of the coffee becomes significantly higher when expressed in foreign currency.becomehighexpress5feeding babies if a woman expresses milk, she presses milk out of her breast in order to feed it to her baby laterCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2nounsexpress your views/opinions/ideas Everyone who attends the meeting will be given the opportunity to express their opinions.attendmeetgiveopinionexpress your feelings He felt unable to express his feelings in a letter.feelfeelingexpress an interest in something Many property developers have expressed an interest in buying the land.developerexpressbuyexpress concern (=say or show that you are worried) Financial analysts have expressed concern about the possibility of a recession.analystexpressexpress your thanks/gratitude/appreciation (=say thank you to someone, in a speech) On behalf of the team, I’d like to express our appreciation for all your efforts.effortexpress doubts/reservations (=say or show that you are not sure whether something is true or right) Environmentalists began to express doubts about the benefits of biofuels.environmentalistbegindoubtbenefitexpress surprise/shock ‘I don’t believe he could hurt anyone,’ she said, expressing her surprise.cansayexpressexpress anger Teachers have expressed anger at the government’s education reforms.teacherexpressreformexpress your grief (=say or show that you are very sad, especially because someone you love has died) She searched for further words to express her grief, but could find none.searchfarwordcanexpress your sympathy (=say that you feel sorry for someone who is in a bad situation) I wrote to his widow expressing our sympathy and sending her our condolences.writeexpresssendcondolenceexpress confidence Throughout the trial, his legal team expressed confidence in the outcome.expressexpress your hopes/desires (=say what you hope or want to happen) Nadia expressed her hopes about remaining in San Diego County with her two children.expresshoperemainchildexpress your support (=say that you support someone or something) The Israeli leader expressed his support for the U.S. plan.expressexpress opposition to something (=say that you oppose someone or something) Local people have expressed their opposition to plans for a new airport.expressplanexpress a willingness to do something (=say or show that you are willing to do something) The unions expressed a willingness to have talks with the employers.unionexpresstalkemployeradverbsexpress something openly (=express a feeling in a way that is obvious to other people) They expressed their anger openly in the meeting.expressmeetexpress something clearly (=express an idea or opinion in a way that other people can understand) He expresses his views very clearly.expressviewphrasesexpress yourself (=say what you think or feel) He is very confident and finds it easy to express himself.befinda chance/opportunity to express something The debate will give MPs an opportunity to express their views in detail.viewwords cannot express something (=it is impossible to describe something) Words can’t express how much I miss her.wordTHESAURUSto say somethingsay to tell someone something, using words: ‘I really ought to go,’ she said.say | Lauren said she’d probably be late.saystate to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts: The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before.statehavesee | Please state your name and address.announce to publicly tell people about something: The chairman announced his resignation.announce | The results will be announced tomorrow.resultannounce | We will announce the winners next Sunday.winner | They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.beannouncetimedeclare to say something very firmly: ‘My personal life is none of your business,’ she declared.bedeclaremention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details: Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school?dohappen | Your name was mentioned!bementionexpress to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words: Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions.childemotioncomment to say what your opinion is about someone or something: The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.beasknote/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing: We have already noted that most old people live alone.note | Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.remarkcomputerbeansweradd to say something more, after what has already been said: He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.addthinkcandopoint out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant: Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour.pointchildsign | It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.pointair to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differences: The programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration.listenerview | Workers were able to air their grievances.workerbegrievancevoice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etc: The president has already voiced his support for the proposal.havevoice | She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.voicehostage
expressadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesexpressexpressexpress2 adjective [only before noun]Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: exprès, from Latin expressus, past participle of exprimere ‘to press out’, from premere ‘to press’; the idea of ‘speed’ comes from trains stopping only at specific places, so the complete journey takes less time 1EMPHASIZEdeliberate and for a specific situation:
The school was founded with the express purpose of teaching deaf children.befoundteachchild2clear and definiteexpress agreement/consent/authority etcHe is not to leave without my express permission.beMatthew left express instructions to keep all doors locked.leaveinstructiondoorlock3express train/coach/bus a train or bus that does not stop at many places and can therefore travel more quickly4express post/mail a system that delivers letters and packages very quickly5American English designed to help you move through a place more quickly: express lanes on the freewaylanean express line at a supermarket (=where people with only a few things to buy go to pay)
expressnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2 3Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesexpressexpressesexpressexpress3 noun1[countable usually singular] a train or bus that does not stop in many places and therefore travels quicklyLondon–Gatwick Express/Orient Express (=a fast train or bus which does a particular journey regularly)2[uncountable] a post service that delivers letters and packages very quickly: Send these books by express.book
expressadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryexpressexpressexpress4 adverb send/deliver something express to send or deliver a letter, package etc quickly using a special post service
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: chois, from choisir ‘to choose’ 1ABILITY TO CHOOSE[uncountable and countable]CHOOSE if you have a choice, you can choose between several things → choosechoice between
Voters have a choice between three main political parties.voterpartychoice ofYou have a choice of hotel or self-catering accommodation.caterHe has to make some important choices.havechoiceThey gave us no choice in the matter.give2RANGE TO CHOOSE FROM[singular, uncountable]CHOOSE the range of people or things that you can choose from: It was a small shop and there wasn’t much choice.bechoice ofThere is a choice of four different colours.becolourWe offer a wide choice of wines and beers.winebeerConsumers these days are spoilt for choice British English (=have a lot of things to choose from).consumerdaybespoil3THING CHOSEN[countable]CHOOSE the person or thing that someone chooseschoice ofI don’t really like her choice of jewellery.I think London was a good choice as a venue.besb’s first/second choiceMy first choice of college was Stanford.be4by choiceCHOOSE if you do something by choice, you do it because you want to do it and not because you are forced to do it: She lives alone by choice.live5the something of your choiceCHOOSE the person or thing of your choice is the one that you would most like to choose: My children cannot go to the school of their choice.child6the something of choicePREFER the thing of choice is the one that people prefer to use: It is the drug of choice for this type of illness.be → Hobson’s choiceCOLLOCATIONSverbshave a choice Students have a choice between German and Spanish.studentmake a choice (=choose something) One of our course advisors can help you to make your choice.give somebody a choice Her doctor gave her a choice: take medicine or lose weight.givebe faced with a choice He was faced with a difficult choice.befacehave no choice (but to do something) The men had no choice but to obey.manhaveleave somebody with no choice I was left with no choice but to resign.beleaveexercise your choice formal (=make a choice - used especially when talking about someone using their right to choose) Everyone should have the right to exercise choice in matters of relationships.shallmatterrelationshipADJECTIVES/NOUN + choicethe right/wrong choice I think you’ve made the right choice.makea difficult choice It was a very difficult choice for me.bea stark choice (=a choice between two unpleasant things that you must make) We faced a stark choice: steal or starve.face(a) free choice Students have an entirely free choice of what to study at university.studentan informed choice (=a choice based on knowledge of the facts about something) The patient should have enough information to make an informed choice.shallinformconsumer choice (=the opportunity for people to choose between different products) I believe in free trade and consumer choice.parental choice The aim is to extend parental choice in education.bephrasesfreedom of choice Patients should have more freedom of choice.patientshallgiven the choice (=if you had a choice) Given the choice, I probably wouldn’t work.givehave no choice in the matter The village people had no choice in the matter.haveTHESAURUSchoice: choice of: The school seems OK, but there isn’t a great choice of courses.seemcourse | have a choice (=be able to choose from several things): With her high grades and athletic skill, Celeste had her choice of colleges.gradehavecollege | have no choice but to do something (=to be forced to do something because there is nothing else you can choose): Spooner says he had no choice but to file for bankruptcy.sayhave | wide choice (=a lot of things to choose from): There is a wide choice of hotels and hostels in the town.behotelhosteloption one of the things that you can choose to do in a particular situation: He basically has two options: he can have the surgery, or he can give up playing football.haveoptionplay | keep/leave your options open (=delay choosing so that you continue to have several things to choose from): I haven’t signed any contracts yet – I want to keep my options open.signcontractoptionalternative one of two or more ways of doing something: Did you consider other alternatives before you moved in with Lucy?doalternativemove | alternative to: There is no practical alternative to our current policy.be | have no alternative (=to not have a choice): He says he doesn’t want to see a doctor, but I’m afraid he has no alternative.sayhaveTHESAURUSchoice something or someone that has been chosen: Maria was very pleased with her choice.beplease | first/second/third choice (=the thing you wanted most, the thing you wanted most after that etc): Greece was our first choice for a vacation, but all the flights were full.beflightbe | somebody’s choice of: I don’t like his choice of friends.friendselection a small group of the best things that have been chosen from a larger group: selection of: She showed me a selection of her drawings.showdrawing | a selection of songs from ‘West Side Story’song
choiceadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleschoicechoicerchoicestchoicechoice2 adjective1[only before noun] formalGOOD/EXCELLENT choice food is of very good quality: choice steakWe select only the choicest apples for our pies.choiceapplepie2a few choice words/phrasesANGRY if you use a few choice words, you say exactly what you mean in an angry way: He told us what he thought of the idea in a few choice words.tellthinkword
nounWord familyDate: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: Late Latin aptitudo ‘fitness’, from Latin aptus; → APT 1[uncountable and countable]ATTITUDE the opinions and feelings that you usually have about something, especially when this is shown in your behaviour:
As soon as they found out I was a doctor, their whole attitude changed.findbechangeattitude to/towardsThe people have a very positive attitude to life.2[uncountable] informalUNUSUAL a style of dressing, behaving etc that shows you have the confidence to do unusual and exciting things without caring what other people thinkwith attitudea coat with attitude—attitudinalattitudinal /ˌætəˈtjuːdənəl, ˌætɪˈtjuːdənəl $ -ˈtuː-/ adjectiveCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesgood/bad a lazy student with a bad attitudepositive/negative A positive attitude is essential if you want to be successful.be | Many teenagers have a very negative attitude towards cooking.teenagercookrelaxed On Bali, there is a healthier, more relaxed attitude to life.behealthyrelaxfavourable (=having a good opinion of something or someone) Older people tend to have a favourable attitude to the police.oldcritical (=showing you disagree with or disapprove of someone or something) People’s attitude towards US foreign policy has become increasingly critical.haveambivalent (=not sure if you approve of something) The public have a rather ambivalent attitude towards science.cavalier (=very careless, especially about something serious or important) his cavalier attitude to the truthpatronizing/condescending (=showing that you think you are more important or intelligent than someone) complaints about patronising attitudes towards womencomplaintattitudewomanaggressive/hostile (=showing anger) Their attitude suddenly became more aggressive.becomepublic attitudes/people’s attitudes Public attitudes have changed.attitudechangepolitical attitudes a survey of people’s political attitudesattitudemental attitude There is a strong connection between health and mental attitude.besb’s whole attitude His whole attitude seemed different.seemthe general attitude His general attitude to our situation was unsympathetic.beverbshave/take/adopt an attitude Not everyone takes a positive attitude towards modern art.takesb’s attitude changes As you get older, your attitude changes.oldchangean attitude exists This attitude no longer exists in the church.longexistsb’s attitude hardens (=they feel less sympathy and they want to be stricter or firmer) People’s attitudes towards sex offenders have hardened.attitudeoffenderhardenphrasesan attitude of mind British English (=a way of thinking) Being young is simply an attitude of mind.bebesomebody has an attitude problem (=someone is not helpful or pleasant to be with) Some of the male students have a real attitude problem.studentTHESAURUSopinion what you think about something or someone: People didn’t usually ask his opinion about anything. | She has rather a low opinion of young people.haveview your opinion about a serious or important issue: She has strong views about education.haveview | In my view, footballers are paid too much.footballerbepaypoint of view your opinion, especially when this is influenced by the situation you are in: From a farmer’s point of view, foxes are a nuisance.foxbe | It all depends on your point of view.dependposition the official opinion of a government, political party, or someone in authority: The Prime Minister has made his position perfectly clear.havemake | The party has changed its position on nuclear weapons.havechangeweaponattitude your opinions and feelings about something or someone, especially when this shows in your behaviour: My parents and I have very different attitudes to life.parentattitude | It was his attitude to women that shocked me.bewomanshockschool of thought an opinion that one group of people have about a subject, especially when this is different from that of another group: There is one school of thought that says that coffee is addictive and is therefore a bad thing.bethinksaybebe | There are two schools of thought on this.beschoolthink
noun1[uncountable] British English a game played by two teams of eleven players who try to kick a round ball into the other team’s goal SYN soccer American English: Which football team do you support?kids playing football in the streetkidplayMy Dad took me to watch my first football match.takea football clubfootball fan/supportera group of Scottish football fansfanfootball boots/kit/shirt (=clothes worn to play football)football pitch/ground/stadium2[uncountable] American English a game played by two teams of eleven players who try to carry or kick an oval ball into the other team’s goal SYN American football British English: college football gamesgamea football fieldHe played football in high school.play3football hooligan British English someone who behaves in a noisy or violent way at a football match4
[countable] a ball used in these games → flag football, → political football at political(4)COLLOCATIONSfootball + NOUNa football team Which football team do you support?a football club Tottenham Hotspur is a North London football club.bea football player Like many little boys, his ambition was to be a football player.boybea football manager Football managers shouldn't complain about referees' decisions.managerrefereedecisionfootball fan (=someone who likes football a lot ) Pat is a keen football fan.befootball supporter (=someone who supports a particular football team) 55 football supporters were arrested after the game.supporterbearresta football match/game Do you often go to football matches?matcha football pitch (=an area of grass where football is played) An area of wasteland had been turned into a football pitch.havebeturna football ground/stadium (=a place where football is played) Hundreds of fans were making their way towards the football ground.hundredfanbemakegrinda football league (=a group of football teams who play against each other) The Premier League is one of the most popular football leagues in the world.beleaguefootball boots He got some new football boots for his birthday.getboota football shirt They were all wearing England football shirts.bewearshirtfootball kit (=clothes for playing football in) He washes the whole team's football kit.washa football strip (=clothes worn by a particular football team) The team wear a different football strip for their Champions League matches.championmatcha football referee (=the person who makes sure that the rules of football are followed) He is a qualified football referee for the Dorset County Football Association.bequalifya football crowd We got caught up in a noisy football crowd.getcatchfootball violence (=between fans at football games) The government is considering measures to combat football violence.beconsidermeasureverbsplay football The boys are playing football in the garden.boybeplaywatch football He likes to spend Saturday afternoon watching football.likewatchfollow football (=be interested in football) Bob follows football and goes to as many matches as he can.followgomatchADJECTIVES/NOUN + footballprofessional football It was his dream to play professional football one day.beinternational football (=played by teams representing their country) He will retire from international football after the World Cup.domestic football (=played between teams from the same country) Saturday's defeat was the team's first in domestic football for seven matches.bematchcup football (=in a competition to win a cup) It was an exciting match in the best traditions of cup football.beexcitewelltraditionleague football (=in a football league) He was still playing league football at the age of 41.beplayfive-a-side football (=with five players on each team) His son played in a five-a-side football tournament.play
nounDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: kith 1[countable] informalCHILD a child:
She’d always loved animals since she was a little kid.loveanimalbeHe’s married with three kids.marrykidA neighbor volunteered to keep an eye on the kids (=their children or the children they are responsible for).volunteerkidRegisterKid is informal. For formal or written styles use child: Research suggests that children from abusive families are likely to repeat violent behaviour.suggestchildfamilybe2[countable] informalYOUNG a young person: college kidskid3[countable usually singular] used by adults to address a person who is younger than them: Hey kid, come here.4kid’s stuff (also kid stuff American English)EASYBORING something that is too easy or boring: Pokémon? Oh boy, that is kid stuff!be5a)[countable] a young goat b)[uncountable] very soft leather made from the skin of a young goat: a pair of white kid bootsboot6kid glovesCAREFUL a way of treating someone kindly and carefully because they easily become upsettreat/handle somebody with kid glovesI want you to treat Hayley with kid gloves today. She’s still upset about her father.gloveTHESAURUSchild someone who is not yet an adult. You don’t usually use child to talk about babies or teenagers: Many children are scared of the dark.childbescare | He’s just a child.kid informal a child. Kid is the usual word to use in everyday spoken English: We left the kids in the car.leavekidlittle boy/little girl a young male or female child: I lived there when I was a little girl.livebe | Little boys love dinosaurs.boydinosaurteenager someone between the ages of 13 and 19: There’s not much for teenagers to do around here.teenageradolescent a young person who is developing into an adult – used especially when talking about the problems these people have: He changed from a cheerful child to a confused adolescent.changeconfuseyouth especially disapproving a teenage boy – especially one who is violent and commits crimes: He was attacked by a gang of youths.beattackyouth | a youth courtyoungster a child or young person – used especially by old people: You youngsters have got your whole life ahead of you.youngsterget | He’s a bright youngster with a good sense of humour.minor law someone who is not yet legally an adult: It is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor.be
kidverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleskidkidskiddedkiddingkidkid2 S2 verb (past tense and past participle kidded, present participle kidding) informalDate: 1500-1600Origin: Probably from → KID1 Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]JOKING/NOT SERIOUS to say something that is not true, especially as a joke SYN jokejust/only kidding
Don’t get mad – I was only kidding.bekid2[transitive] to make jokes or say funny things about someone in a friendly way SYN teasekid somebody about somethingWe were kidding Mom about being a grandmother.bekidbekid somebody (that)My friends kidded me that my gear would fill the car.friendkidwill3no kidding?/are you kidding?/you’re kidding spokenSERIOUS/NOT JOKING used when you are so surprised by what someone has told you that you do not completely believe them: Carlotta’s 39? No kidding?kid4no kidding spoken a)used to say that you understand and agree with what someone has just said: ‘That girl has some major problems.’ ‘Yeah, no kidding.’haveproblemkid b)used to emphasize a threat or that you are telling the truth: If you break that thing, you’ll be grounded for a week – no kidding.groundkidAnd then he saw us and – no kidding – he asked us if we wanted a ride.seekidaskwant5[transitive]WRONG/INCORRECT to let yourself believe something that is untrue or unlikelykid yourself (that)Don’t kid yourself he’ll ever change.We thought we could change the world. Just who were we trying to kid?thinkcanbetry6I kid you not spokenTRUE used to emphasize that you are telling the truth—kiddingkidding noun [uncountable]kid around phrasal verb STUPID/NOT SENSIBLEto behave in a silly way: Stop kidding around and listen.kid
kidadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleskidkidkid3 adjective YOUNGkid sister/brother especially American English informal your kid sister or brother is younger than you are SYN little sister/brother British English
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Origin: Perhaps from Gunnilda, a woman's name, from Old Norse Gunnhildr
1 a metal weapon which shoots bullets or shellshave/hold/carry a gunI could see he was carrying a gun.canbecarryI’ve never fired a gun in my life.fireJake was pointing a gun at the door.bepointTwo policemen were killed in a gun battle.policemanbekill2put/hold a gun to sb’s head a)to put a gun very close to someone’s head to shoot them or to force them to do something: He put a gun to her head and told the cashier to hand over the money.tell b)to force someone to do something they do not want to do: You chose to live here. Nobody put a gun to your head.choose3a tool that forces out small objects or a liquid by pressure: a paint guna nail gun → flashgun, spray gun4(also starting pistol) a gun which is fired into the air at the start of a race5big/top gun American English informal someone who is very important within an organization: Jed wanted to impress a Harvard professor and some other big guns.wantgun6hired gun American English informalKILL someone who is paid to shoot someone else7with all guns blazing if you do something with all guns blazing, you do it with a lot of energy, determination, and noise → son of a gun, → jump the gun at jump1(11), → be going great guns at great1(11), → spike sb’s guns at spike2(6)
gunverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesgungunsgunnedgunninggungun2 verb (past tense and past participle gunned, present participle gunning)Verb form1be gunning for somebody informalCRITICIZE to be trying to find an opportunity to criticize or harm someone: Why is he gunning for me?begun2be gunning for something informal to be trying very hard to obtain something: He’s gunning for your job.gun3[transitive] American English informalFAST/QUICK to make the engine of a car go very fast by pressing the accelerator very hardgun somebody ↔ down phrasal verb [usually passive] SHOOTto shoot someone and badly injure or kill them, especially someone who cannot defend themselves: A policeman was gunned down as he left his house this morning.begunleave
noun [countable]Word family someone who works or is trained in science
noun [countable]Word family1a person or company that makes a particular type of goodscar/film/shoe etc makera quality furniture makera leading Japanese computer makerleadmaker ofThe makers of the car claim that it uses up to 50% less fuel than other similar cars.makeruselittlecar2a machine or piece of equipment that makes somethingcoffee/pasta etc makerGrind the beans to suit your coffee maker.bean3decision maker/policy maker/peacemaker etcGOOD AT someone who does something or makes something happen: Who’s the decision maker in this department?health care administrators and policy makersadministratormaker → troublemaker, holidaymaker4meet your maker informalDIE to die – used humorouslyTHESAURUSmaker a company or person whose business is to make things to be sold, either by hand or using machines: the country’s largest car makerlarge | We got a cabinet maker (=someone who makes furniture from wood) to redo our kitchen for us.getproducer a company or country that makes large quantities of something to be sold - often used about raw materials such as oil, coffee, or steel: OPEC is an organization of 13 major oil producers.beproducer | Gold producers' shares went up by 50%.producersharegomanufacturer a company that makes things in large quantities, especially in a factory: Clothing manufacturers have been feeling the effects of the recession.clothemanufacturerbefeeleffect | a plane manufacturershipbuilder/boatbuilder a person or company that makes ships or boats: a Japanese shipbuilder, Mitsubishi Heavy Industriesindustry | He started out as a boatbuilder.start
(also -ibility-ibility) suffixLanguage: Old FrenchOrigin: -abilité, from Latin -abilitas, from -abilis; → -ABLE makes nouns from adjectives ending in -able and -ible:
manageability
abilitynounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesabilityabilitiesabilitya‧bil‧i‧ty S2 W1 /əˈbɪləti, əˈbɪlɪti/
noun (plural abilities)Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: habilité, from Latin habilitas, from habilis; → ABLE 1[countable]CAN the state of being able to do somethingability to do something
the ability to walkThe health center serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.servepatient2LEVEL[uncountable and countable] someone’s level of skill at doing something: The test measures your mathematical ability.measuremixed ability classesmixclassof high/low etc abilitystudents of average abilitystudentThere are musicians of all abilities.bemusicianabilitysomebody's abilities as somethingHe showed his abilities as a leader.showability3to the best of your abilityTRY TO DO OR GET STH as well as you can: He completed the job to the best of his ability.completewellCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectiveshigh/low/average ability a group of low ability pupilspupil | Many of these students are of above average ability.studentbe | Children of high ability demand more absorbing tasks.childabsorbtaskgreat/considerable ability He was a young man of great ability.be | These drawings required considerable ability on the part of the artist.drawingrequireremarkable/outstanding/exceptional ability a writer of remarkable ability | The company aims to select people of outstanding ability.aim | his exceptional ability as a swimmermixed ability (=at different levels) a mixed ability classmixuncanny ability (=an unusual ability that is difficult to explain) He has an uncanny ability for spotting investment opportunities.havespotopportunitynatural ability (also innate ability formal) (=an ability that you are born with) He didn't have the natural ability of his brother. | Babies have an innate ability to do simple maths.babymathphysical/athletic ability He has considerable athletic ability.haveartistic/creative ability You do not need to have any artistic ability.musical ability Tim showed musical ability at an early age.showacting ability Her acting abilities were obvious straightaway.actabilitybemental ability The exercises are supposed to help you improve your mental ability.exercisebesupposeintellectual/academic ability No one doubts his intellectual abilities.doubtability | A degree is evidence of your academic ability in a particular subject area.beverbal/linguistic ability (=language skills) The test is intended to measure the children's linguistic ability.beintendchildmathematical ability These students have a higher level of mathematical ability.studenthighproven ability (=that you have proved through your achievements) Companies often value the proven ability and reliability of older employees.companyproveoldemployeeverbshave the ability to do something (also possess the ability to do something formal) She has the ability to make people feel relaxed.haverelaxshow/demonstrate the ability to do something a chance for candidates to demonstrate their abilitiescandidateabilitylack the ability to do something As a young man, he lacked the ability to say no.lackphrasesa level of ability/ability level The children were of the same age and ability level.childbea range of ability/ability range There is a wide range of ability within the class.be | Disruptive behaviour is more prominent in the lower ability range.belowa test of ability/an ability test Examinations are not always a good test of ability.examinationbe | The class was given a verbal ability test.begivean ability group (=a group that students are taught in, based on their level of ability) Children are divided into different ability groups.childbedividegroup
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: hætu 1warmth [uncountable]HOT warmth or the quality of being hot:
Ice needs heat to melt.needInsulating the attic is a good way to reduce heat loss.insulatebe2HOTthe heat very hot weather or a high temperature: The heat was making them tired.bemaketireAngela liked to rest during the heat of the day (=the hottest part of the day).likeFirefighters were beaten back by the intense heat.firefighterbebeat3in cooking [countable usually singular, uncountable] the level of temperature used when cooking or heating something(a) low/medium/high heatCook the chicken portions over a high heat.portionturn off/down/up the heatWhen the milk comes to the boil, turn off the heat.comeNow reduce the heat and cover the pan.4strong feelingsTHINK ABOUT [uncountable] strong feelings, especially anger or excitement: Reconciliation services can take the heat out of (=reduce the anger in) the dispute.servicein the heat of somethingQuick decisions had to be made in the heat of the negotiations.decisionhavemakenegotiationIn the heat of the moment (=when feelings were very strong) Nick threatened to resign.threaten5pressure [uncountable] strong pressure on someone: The heat is on (=there is a lot of pressure) as schools struggle to finish their entries by the deadline.beschoolentryThe team turned up the heat (=used more effort against their opponents) in the last few minutes to score two more goals.turnminutegoalThere was a lot of heat, and it affected our relationship.beaffect6system to heat building [uncountable] American English the system in a house or other building that keeps it warm in the winter, or the warmth from this system SYN heating British English: Can you turn up the heat?7in a race [countable] a part of a race or competition whose winners then compete against each other in the next part: Bill finished second in his heat.finish8on heat British English, in heat American English if a female animal is on heat, her body is ready to have sex with a male → dead heat, white heat, → if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen at stand1(16)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesthe intense/extreme heat She was in need of a cooling drink in the intense heat.becoolthe searing/stifling/sweltering/scorching etc heat (=extreme heat) The desert is a place of scorching heat by day and bitter cold by night.bescorchdry heat The earth had cracked in the endless dry heat.havecrackhumid heat (=when the weather is hot and damp) the humid heat of a tropical foresttropical heat (=the warm, damp weather in the hottest parts of the world) He stepped off the plane into the tropical heat.stepthe midday heat The air shimmered in the midday heat.shimmerthe summer heat He went indoors to escape the summer heat.go80/90 etc degree heat Why would you want to play tennis in a hundred-degree heat?willphrasesthe heat of the day The locals retreat to their cool houses and sleep during the heat of the day.localhouseTHESAURUSpart of a competitionround one of the parts of a competition that you have to finish or win before you can go on to the next part: Henman lost in the second round of the competition.loseheat one of several races or competitions whose winners then compete against each other: She came second in her heat, with a time of 23.2 seconds.comesecond
heatverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesheatheatsheatedheatingheatheat2 S3 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form HOTto make something become warm or hot SYN warm up: Heat the milk until it boils.boilheat something through phrasal verb HOTto heat food thoroughlyheat up phrasal verb1HOTto become warm or hot, or to make something become warm or hot: The stove takes a while to heat up.stavetakeheat something ↔ upI heated up the remains of last night’s supper.heatremain2DIFFICULTif a situation heats up, it becomes dangerous or full of problems
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: diner, from diner ‘to eat’; → DINE 1[uncountable and countable]MEAL the main meal of the day, eaten in the middle of the day or the evening:
What time do you usually have dinner?We’re having fish for dinner tonight.haveWhat's for dinner?2[countable]MEAL a formal occasion when an evening meal is eaten, often to celebrate something: the Club’s annual dinner → dog’s dinner at dog1(9), → more something than you’ve had hot dinners at hot1(30)COLLOCATIONSverbshave/eat dinner Why don't you come and have dinner with us?make/cook dinner I offered to cook dinner.offerhave something for dinner I thought we might have pasta for dinner tonight.thinkhave somebody for/to dinner We're having a few friends round to dinner.havefriendask/invite somebody to dinner Let's ask Kate and Mike to dinner.come for/to dinner Mark is coming over for dinner.becomego out for/to dinner (=go and eat in a restaurant) Would you like to go out for dinner on Saturday?willserve dinner (=start giving people food) Dinner is served between 7 and 11 pm in the hotel restaurant.beserveADJECTIVES/NOUN + dinnera three-course/four-course etc dinner The cost of the hotel includes a three-course dinner.includeSunday/Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner (=a special meal eaten on Sunday etc) We usually have a walk after Christmas dinner.a romantic dinner (=for two people in a romantic relationship) Clive and Denise were enjoying a romantic dinner for two in a quiet French restaurant.beenjoya candle-lit dinner (=with only candles for lighting) Chris treated his girlfriend to a candle-lit dinner.treatlighta leisurely dinner (=not hurried) I enjoy having a leisurely dinner with some friends at the weekend.havefrienda black-tie dinner (=where people wear special formal clothes) He was invited to a black-tie dinner at one of the Oxford colleges.beinvitecollegea slap-up dinner British English informal (=with a lot of good food) Mum always makes a slap-up dinner for me when I go home.makeschool dinners British English (=meals provided at school in the middle of the day) School dinners are served in the canteen.dinnerbeserveTV dinners (=meals that you eat while watching TV) TV dinners in aluminium containers can be found in the freezer departments of many supermarkets.dinnercontainerfinddepartmentsupermarketdinner + NOUNa dinner party (=when someone's friends are invited for a special evening meal) We are having a dinner party on Saturday.behavea dinner guest The dinner guests began arriving at about seven o'clock.guestbeginarriveTHESAURUStypes of mealbreakfast a meal that you eat in the morningbrunch a meal that you eat in the late morning, instead of breakfast or lunchlunch a meal that you eat in the middle of the daytea British English a meal that you eat in the afternoon or eveningdinner the main meal of the day, which most people eat in the eveningsupper a small meal that you eat in the evening, in British English; the main meal that you eat in the evening, in American Englishpicnic a meal that you eat outdoors, consisting of food that you cooked or prepared earlierbarbecue a meal that you cook outdoors over hot coals or wood and eat outdoorssnack a small amount of food that is eaten between main meals or instead of a mealside dish food eaten with the main course, such as vegetables: I’ll have the salad as a side dish.course one of the separate parts of a meal, such as the starter or the dessert: a three-course meal
noun
Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: Latin campus ‘field’ 1in the mountains/forest etc [uncountable and countable]LEAVE A PLACE a place where people stay in tents, shelters etc for a short time, usually in the mountains, a forest etc:
Let’s go back to camp – it’s getting dark.geta camp near Lake Ellen WilsonThe soldiers broke camp (=took down their tents etc) and left before dawn.soldierbreakleavepitch/make camp (=set up a tent or shelter)It was dark by the time we pitched camp.bepitchWe set up camp (=made the camping place ready) at nearby Icicle Lake.The expedition’s base camp (=main camp) was 6,000 feet below the summit.befootmining/logging etc camp (=a camp where people stay when they are doing these kinds of jobs)2prison/labour/detention etc campPRISON a place where people are kept for a particular reason, when they do not want to be there: a refugee camp just across the border → concentration camp3for children [uncountable and countable] a place where young people go to take part in activities, and where they usually stay for several days or weeks: The camp offers hiking, fishing, canoeing, and boating.offerhikefishcanoescout campTwo years ago, she started a summer camp for girls aged eight and older.yearstartgirlageoldtennis/football etc camp (=a camp where you can do one particular activity) → day camp, holiday camp4group of people [countable]GROUP OF PEOPLE a group of people or organizations who have the same ideas or principles, especially in politics: the extreme right-wing camp of the partyAt least Lynne is definitely in your camp (=supports you rather than someone else, and agrees with your ideas).littlebe → have a foot in both camps at foot1(21)5military [countable] a permanent place where soldiers live or train: Donny is stationed at Camp Pendleton.bestationCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake/pitch camp (=put up your tents) We made camp in a clearing in the woods.makeclearwoodset up camp (=put up your tents and arrange the camping place) The soldiers set up camp outside the city.soldierbreak camp (=take down your tents ready to move to a new place) In the morning it was time to break camp.be
campverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescampcampscampedcampingcampcamp2 verb [intransitive]Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: camper, from camp; → CAMP1. camp up 1900-2000 From → CAMP3 Verb form1to set up a tent or shelter and stay there for a short time:
We’ll camp by the river for the night, and move on tomorrow.camping gear/equipmentcamping gear such as a sleeping bag, tent, and backpackcampsleep2go camping to visit an area, especially the mountains or a forest, and stay in a tent: We went camping in the San Bernardino Mountains.gocampmountaincamp out phrasal verb1to sleep outdoors, usually in a tent: What he liked best about scouting was camping out.likewellscoutbecamp2STAY WITH SB, IN A HOTEL ETCto stay somewhere where you do not have all the usual things that a house has: We’ll just have to camp out until our furniture arrives.arrivecamp something up phrasal verb informal FUNNYcamp it up to deliberately use unnatural body or face movements, in a way that some people think is typical of a homosexual man
campadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplescampcampercampestcampcamp3 adjectiveDate: 1900-2000Origin: Origin unknown 1HOMOSEXUALa man who is camp moves or speaks in the way that people used to think was typical of homosexuals2STRANGE (also campy American English) clothes, decorations etc that are camp are very strange, bright, or unusual
adjective1BUSINESSrelated to business and the buying and selling of goods and services: Our top priorities must be profit and commercial growth.priority2PROFITrelated to the ability of a product or business to make a profit: Gibbons failed to see the commercial value of his discovery.gibbonfailcommercial success/failureThe film was a huge commercial success.be3[only before noun]SELL a commercial product is one that is produced and sold in large quantities4PROFITmore concerned with money than with quality: Their music has become very commercial.have5commercial radio/TV/channel etcPRIVATE/NON-GOVERNMENT radio or television broadcasts that are produced by companies that earn money through advertisingCOLLOCATIONSnounsa commercial bank (=one that accepts people’s money, provides loans etc) Several large commercial banks cut their lending rates.banklendratea commercial company/organization Many commercial companies are having financial difficulties.companybehavedifficultycommercial property (=property for businesses and industry) He decided to invest in commercial property.decidecommercial interests (=things that bring business advantages) The President’s reform programme threatened US commercial interests.threateninterestthe commercial sector (=the business part of the economy) The commercial sector sponsors sport.sponsorthe commercial market (=the market for goods) A product like this should do well in the commercial market.shallcommercial development (=the building of houses, hotels, restaurants etc) The increased number of tourists has resulted in further commercial development.increasenumbtouristhaveresultfarcommercial use The trees were planted for commercial use.treebeplantcommercial exploitation (=using something, especially natural resources, to make money) the commercial exploitation of mineral resourcesresourcecommercial activity Commercial activity in our society is highly competitive.becommercial considerations/reasons/purposes Commercial considerations must come second to conservation of the environment.considerationa commercial transaction (=a business deal) The deal was a straightforward commercial transaction.be
commercialnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescommercialcommercialscommercialcommercial2 noun1[countable]ADVERTISE an advertisement on television or radio: a soap powder commercial2commercial breakADVERTISE the time when advertisements are broadcast during a television or radio programmeTHESAURUSadvertisement: an advertisement for shampoo | They placed an advertisement in the newspaper.placead informal an advertisement: She’s been in several TV ads.beadadvert British English an advertisement: a job advert | He took out a front-page advert for his shop.takecommercial an advertisement on television or radio: television commercialscommercial | He was in some commercials for beer.becommercialtrailer an advertisement in the cinema, on television, or online for a film or programme which will be shown soon: A second trailer for Richard Friedman’s film has just been added to the website.havebeaddpromotion a series of advertisements for a company’s products: The company has spent more than $300 million on promotions for the brand.havespendpromotionposter an advertisement on a wall: They selected a famous artist to do the poster for the upcoming performance.selectbillboard (also hoarding British English) a large sign next to a road, with an advertisement on it: billboard advertisementsadvertisement | A huge hoarding shows two contrasting images.hoardshowcontrastimageflyer a piece of paper with an advertisement on it, often given to you in the street: Someone was handing out flyers for a new nightclub.behandflyerbanner ad an advertisement across the top of a page on the Internet: Banner ads are becoming more sophisticated.adbebecomejunk mail unwanted advertisements that you get in the post: I never read junk mail.spam unwanted emails advertising things: I’m trying to delete all the spam.tryclassified ad (also want ad American English, small ad British English) a short advertisement that you put in a newspaper if you want to buy or sell something: The bike was advertised for sale in the small ads section.beadvertisead
noun
Word family1a skill [uncountable and countable] when you do a particular thing, often regularly, in order to improve your skill at it: It takes hours of practice to learn to play the guitar.takehourWith a little more practice you should be able to pass your test.shallWe have choir practice on Tuesday evening.evenin practice for somethingSchumacher crashed out in practice for the Australian grand prix.crashfootball/rugby/basketball etc practiceJohn’s at baseball practice. ► In British English, the verb is always spelled practise (see separate entry). In American English, both noun and verb are spelled practice.2in practice used when saying what really happens rather than what should happen or what people think happens: In practice women receive much lower wages than their male colleagues.womanlowwagecolleagueThe journey should only take about 30 minutes, but in practice it usually takes more like an hour.shallminutetake3something done often [uncountable and countable]WAY/MANNER something that people do often, especially a particular way of doing something or a social or religious custom: religious beliefs and practicesbeliefpracticedangerous working practicesworkpracticethe practice of doing somethingthe practice of dumping waste into the seadump4doctor/lawyer [countable] the work of a doctor or lawyer, or the place where they workmedical/legal practiceMary Beth had a busy legal practice in Los Angeles.have → general practice, private practice5be common/standard/normal practiceUSUALLY to be the usual and accepted way of doing something: It’s common practice in many countries for pupils to repeat a year if their grades are low.countrypupilgradebeIt’s standard practice to seek parents’ permission wherever possible.parent6good/best/bad practiceWAY/METHOD an example of a good or bad way of doing something, especially in a particular job: It’s not considered good practice to reveal clients’ names.considerclientname7put something into practiceDO if you put an idea, plan etc into practice, you start to use it and see if it is effective: It gave him the chance to put his ideas into practice.giveidea8be out of practicePRACTISE/PRACTICE to have not done something for a long time, so that you are not able to do it well9practice makes perfectGOOD AT used to say that if you do an activity regularly, you will become very good at itCOLLOCATIONSverbsdo practice Have you done your piano practice?dotake practice American English (=do practice) If he’d done badly, he’d go out and take extra batting practice.dobathave some/more etc practice (=do practice) I’m not a very good dancer. I haven’t had enough practice.haveget some practice You must get as much practice as possible before the competition.need practice She needs more practice.needsomething takes practice (=you can only learn to do it well by practising) Writing well takes practice.writetakeNOUN + practicefootball/basketball etc practice Dale was at football practice.bepiano/cello etc practice I’ve got to do my cello practice.getbatting/catching etc practice We'd better do a bit of batting practice before the game.wellbitebatchoir practice There's choir practice on Tuesday evening.evenband practice Have you got band practice tonight?gettarget practice (=practice shooting at something) The area is used by the army for target practice.beuseteaching practice You have to do three months of teaching practice before you qualify.monthteachTHESAURUShabit something you do regularly, often without thinking about it: Biting your nails is a bad habit.bitenailbe | I always go to the same supermarket, out of habit.mannerism a way of speaking or a small movement of your face or body that is part of your usual behaviour: Even her mannerisms are the same as her sister’s.mannerismbecustom something that people in a particular society do because it is traditional or the accepted thing to do: In Japan it is the custom to take off your shoes when you enter a house.beshoetradition a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time: The tradition of giving Easter eggs goes back hundreds of years.giveegggohundredyear | In many countries, it’s a tradition for the bride to wear white.country | It was a family tradition to go for a walk on Christmas Day.bepractice something that people often do, especially as part of their work or daily life: The hotel has ended the practice of leaving chocolates in guests’ rooms.haveendleavechocolateguestroom
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: craime, cresme, from Latin cramum 1[uncountable] a thick yellow-white liquid that rises to the top of milk:
fresh creamstrawberries and creamstrawberry2[uncountable] a pale yellow-white colour3[uncountable and countable] used in the names of foods containing cream or something similar to it: cream of chicken soup4[uncountable and countable] a thick smooth substance that you put on your skin to make it feel soft, treat a medical condition etc → lotion: sun creamface cream5the cream of somethingBEST the best people or things from a group: the cream of Europe’s athletesathleteThe students at this college are the cream of the crop (=the best of all).studentbeCOLLOCATIONStypes of creamsingle cream British English (=thin cream that you can pour easily)double cream British English, heavy cream American English (=thick cream)whipping cream (=that becomes thick when you beat it)clotted cream British English (=very thick cream that you cannot pour)sour/soured cream (=with a slightly sour taste – used in cooking)fresh cream Use about 100ml of fresh cream.thick cream British English Pour some thick cream over the strawberries.strawberrywhipped cream (=made thick and light by beating it)verbswhip/whisk/beat the cream (=make it thicker by beating it) Whip the cream until it is thick and light.beserve something with cream Serve the apple tart warm with thick cream.cream + NOUNa cream cake/bun British English (=a cake with cream inside)a cream tea British English (=tea with small cakes called scones, that you eat with cream and jam)THESAURUSmedicine noun [uncountable and countable] a substance used for treating illness: Certain medicines should not be taken with alcohol.medicineshalltake | Has he taken his medicine?havetakepill noun [countable] a small piece of medicine that you swallow: She managed to swallow the pill with a sip of water.manage | The doctor gave him some pills.givepill | sleeping pillssleeppill | diet pillspill | contraceptive pillspilltablet noun [countable] especially British English a small piece of solid medicine: She's now on four tablets a day.tablet | a five-day course of tabletstablet | sleeping tabletssleeptablet | anti-malaria tabletstabletantibiotics/aspirin/codeine etc: The doctor put him on a course of antibiotics.antibiotic | Why don’t you take some aspirin? | The tablets contain codeine, which is unsuitable for people with asthma.tabletbecapsule noun [countable] a small tube-shaped container with medicine inside that you swallow whole: a bottle of 500 capsules of vitamin Ccapsule | I advised her to take four to six garlic capsules a day for the duration of the treatment.advisecapsulecaplet noun [countable] a small smooth pill that is slightly longer than it is wide - used especially on bottles and containers: In small type, the consumer is warned not to take more than one caplet per day.bewarneye/ear drops liquid medicine that you put into your eye or ear: Remember — if you 're using eye drops for your hay fever, leave your contact lenses out.usedroplenscream noun [uncountable and countable] especially British English (also lotion especially American English) a thick smooth substance containing medicine, that you put on your skin: an antibiotic cream | antiseptic cream | skin creamdrug noun [countable] a medicine or a substance for making medicines: a drug used to treat malariause | There are a wide range of different drugs on the market.bedrugdosage noun [countable usually singular] the amount of medicine that you should take at one time: The dosage should be reduced to 0.5 mg.shallreduce | It’s important to get the dosage right.medication noun [uncountable and countable] medicine or drugs given to someone who is ill: He takes medication for his diabetes.take | She’s on medication (=taking medication), having suffered from depression for a number of years.havesuffernumbyear
creamadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplescreamcreamcream2 adjective pale yellow-white in colour: a cream-coloured carpetcolour
creamverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescreamcreamscreamedcreamingcreamcream3 verb [transitive]Verb form1to mix foods together until they become a thick soft mixture: Cream the butter and sugar together.2BEAT/DEFEAT American English informal to easily defeat someone in a game, competition etc: We got creamed 45–6.getcream3to hit a ball very hard, for example in a game of tennis or cricket4American English informal to hit someone very hardcream somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb especially British English BESTto choose the best people or things from a group, especially so that you can use them for your own advantage: The best students are creamed off by the large companies.wellstudentbecreamcompany
verb (past tense sang /sæŋ/, past participle sung /sʌŋ/)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: singan Verb form
1with your voice [intransitive and transitive]SING to produce a musical sound with your voice: She can sing beautifully.Most children enjoy singing.childsingWe had a great time singing some of the old songs.havesingsongsing toMy mother used to sing to me when I was young.usebeHe was singing to himself quietly.besingsing somebody somethingCome on, sing us a song!I’ve never been able to sing in tune (=sing the correct notes).beShe patiently sang the baby to sleep.sing → singing2birds [intransitive]SING if birds sing, they produce high musical sounds: I could hear the birds singing outside my window.canbirdsing3high noise [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]HIGH POSITION OR RANK to make a high whistling sound: A kettle was singing on the stove.besingstavesing pastA bullet sang past my ear.sing4sing sb’s praisesPRAISE to praise someone very much: Mrs Edwards was singing your praises today.besingpraise5sing a different tune to say something different from what you said before: You’re singing a different tune now!sing6be singing from the same hymn sheet/book used to say that a group of people all have the same aims or all express the same opinion on a particular subject: Union representatives are all singing from the same hymn sheet on the issue of pay.representativebesing7give information [intransitive] informalADMIT to tell people everything you know about a crime when they ask you questions about it – used especially by criminals and the police: I think he’ll sing.sing along phrasal verb SINGto sing with someone else who is already singing: Sing along if you know the words.wordsing along toJess was singing along to the radio.besingsing out phrasal verb1SHOUTsing out (something) to shout or sing some words clearly and loudly: ‘Freeze!’ a shrill voice sang out.sing2American English to sing loudly so that people can hear you easilysing up phrasal verb British English SINGto sing more loudly: Sing up, boys, I can’t hear you!boy
verb (past tense and past participle fed /fed/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: fedan; related to food Verb form
1give food [transitive] a)FOODto give food to a person or animal: Have you fed the cat?feedfeed yourselfShe was too weak to feed herself.befeed something to somebodySeveral children were feeding bread to the ducks.childbefeedduckfeed somebody on/with somethingThey were fed well on her mother’s home cooking.befeedcook b)to provide enough food for a group of people: groceries to feed a family of fivegroceryThe prison is required to feed and clothe the prisoners.berequireprisoner2plant [transitive] to give a special substance to a plant, which helps it grow: Feed the tomatoes once a week.tomatofeed something with somethingFeed houseplants with a liquid fertilizer.houseplant3animal/baby [intransitive]EAT if a baby or an animal feeds, they eat: Frogs generally feed at night.frogLet your baby feed as long as she wants.want4well-fed/under-fed/poorly-fed having plenty of food or not enough food: a well-dressed, well-fed womandressfeed5computer [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to put information into a computer over a period of timefeed something into somethingFigures are fed into the computer, which then predicts the likely profit.figurebefeedpredict6supply something [transitive]PROVIDE to supply something, especially a liquid, gas, or electricity: The public baths are fed by natural springs.bathbefeedspringfeed something to somethingThe sound is fed directly to the headphones.befeedfeed something with somethingLaura crouched by the fire, feeding it with dry sticks.crouchfeedstick7put something into something [transitive]PUT to put something into something else, especially gradually and through a small holefeed something into/through somethingA tube was fed down the patient’s throat into her stomach.befeedfeed something into somethingShe fed her last two coins into the machine for a cup of coffee.feedcoinShelton fed the electricity meter.feed8increase emotion [transitive]INCREASE IN ACTIVITY, FEELINGS ETC to increase the strength of an emotion, desire etc: Her depression grew, fed by her bitter experiences.growfeedexperience9feed an addiction/need etc to satisfy a strong need, such as a need for a drug: He committed both crimes to feed his addiction to heroin.commitcrime10information [transitive] to give someone information or ideas over a period timefeed somebody with somethingShe feeds the media with stories, which is a way of getting free advertising.feedmediumstorybegetadvertisefeed something to somebodyUS intelligence had been feeding false information to a KGB agent.havebefeed11sport [transitive] to throw or hit a ball to someone else on your team, especially so that they can make a pointfeed something to somebodyHe fed the ball to Jol, who scored.feedscore12feed lines/jokes to somebody to say things to another performer so that they can make jokes13EATfeed your face informal to eat a lot of food SYN stuff yourself14tv/radio [transitive] to send a television or radio programme somewhere so that it can be broadcast15feed somebody a line informalLIE/TELL A LIE to tell someone something which is not true, so that they will do what you want → breast-feed, force-feed, spoon-feed, → mouth to feed at mouth1(10)feed back phrasal verb to give advice or criticism to someone about something they have donefeed back onWe’re just waiting for the manager to feed back on it.waitfeed something ↔ back (to somebody)I am grateful to all those who fed back their comments.befeedcommentThey feed back to the government the reactions of the people affected.reactionaffectfeed into something phrasal verb to have an effect on something or help to make it happen: The influence of Italian designer fashion feeds into sports fashion.feedsportfeed off something phrasal verb1EATif an animal feeds off something, it gets food from it: birds that feed off the seeds from treesbirdseedtree2to use something to increase, become stronger, or succeed – sometimes used to show disapproval: fad diets that feed off our desire to be thindietfeed on something phrasal verb1EATif an animal feeds on a particular food, it usually eats that food: Owls feed on mice and other small animals.owlmouseanimal2INCREASE IN ACTIVITY, FEELINGS ETCif a feeling or process feeds on something, it becomes stronger because of it: Prejudice feeds on ignorance.feedfeed somebody up phrasal verb British English FOODto give someone a lot of food to make them more healthy SYN fatten up American English
feednounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfeedfeedsfeedfeed2 noun
1baby [countable] British English one of the times when you give milk to a small baby: the two a.m. feed2animal food [uncountable] food for animals: fish feed3supply [countable]PROVIDE a tube or piece of equipment which supplies a machine with something, especially fuel4tv/radio/computer [uncountable and countable] when a television or radio signal, computer information etc is sent somewhere, or the connection that is used to do this: a live satellite feed from the space station5meal [countable] old-fashioned a big meal
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: cornere, from corne ‘horn, corner’, from Latin cornu ‘horn, point’ 1where two lines/edges meetWHERE TWO LINES/EDGES MEET [countable] the point at which two lines or edges meet:
He pulled a dirty handkerchief out by its corner and waved it at me.pullwavecorner ofTheir initials were sewn on the corner of every pillow.initialbesewin the corner (of something)The TV station’s name appears in the corner of the screen.appearon the corner (of something)Jessie sat on the corner of her bed.sitthree-cornered/four-cornered etca three-cornered hatcorner2roadROADS [countable usually singular] a)the point where two roads meetcorner ofRuth walked with her as far as the corner of the road.walkon the cornerThe hotel is on the corner of 5th and Maine.beat the cornerSeveral women were standing at the corner, talking to two police officers.womanbestandtalkofficerkids hanging around on street cornerskidhangcorner b)BENDa point in a road where it turns sharply: He had tried to take the corner too quickly, and had lost control of the car.havetryhaveloseThe petrol station is around the corner.be3corner of a room/boxCORNER OF A ROOM/BOX [countable usually singular] the place inside a room or box where two walls or sides meetin the corner (of something)There was an old piano in the corner of the living room.belivecorner table/seatI reserved a corner table in my favourite restaurant.reserve4mouth/eyeMOUTH [countable] the sides of your mouth or eyes: A tear appeared in the corner of his eye.appear5difficult situationDIFFICULT SITUATION [singular] a difficult situation that you cannot easily escape fromback/box/force/push somebody into a corner (=put someone into a situation where they do not have any choices about what to do)Don’t let your enemies back you into a corner.enemyThe writers have painted themselves into a corner by killing off all the most popular characters in the first series.writerpaintkillcharacterHe found himself in a tight corner (=a very difficult situation) looking for a way to get out.findlook6sportsSPORT [countable] a)a kick or hit that one team is allowed to take from one of the corners of their opponent’s end of the field b)any of the four corners of the area in which the competitors fight in boxing or wrestling, especially one of the two corners where the competitors go in between rounds7distant placeDISTANT PLACE [countable]FAR a distant place in another part of the worldcorner ofShe’s gone off to work in some remote corner of the world.goPeople came from the four corners of the world (=from lots of different places) to make America their new home.comecorner8see something out of the corner of your eyeNOTICE to notice something accidentally, without turning your head towards it or looking for it: Out of the corner of her eye she saw the dog running towards her.seerun9(just) around/round the cornerSOON a)near: There’s a bus stop just around the corner. b)likely to happen soon: Economic recovery is just around the corner.be10turn the cornerIMPROVE to start to become successful or to feel better or happier, after a time when you have been unsuccessful, ill, or unhappy: We knew Dad had turned the corner when he started complaining about the hospital food.knowhaveturnstartcomplain11fight your corner/fight sb’s corner British English to try very hard to defend yourself in a discussion or argument, or to do this for someone else: My line manager supports me, and says she’s willing to fight my corner.supportsaywill12cut cornersSPEND MONEY to save time, money, or energy by doing things quickly and not as carefully as you should: Don’t try to cut corners when you’re decorating.cornerdecorate13cut a cornerCROSS to go across the corner of something, especially a road, instead of staying next to the edges14have/get a corner on somethingSELL to be the only company, organization etc that has a particular product, ability, advantage etc: London does not have a corner on film festivals.dofestivalThe company admitted reducing prices to get a corner on the market.admitreduceprice → kitty-cornerCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesthe top/bottom corner The ball flew straight into the top corner of the net.flythe left/left-hand corner We followed the path to the left-hand corner of the field.followleavethe right/right-hand corner Put your address in the top right-hand corner of the page.the southeast/northwest etc corner of something I was staying in the southwest corner of the island.bestaythe four corners of something Each team was based in one of the four corners of the pool.bebasecornerthe far/opposite corner of something (=furthest from where you are) Something was moving in the far right corner of the garden.bemovea quiet corner He sat on his own in a quiet corner of the library.sita shady corner (=protected from the sun - used about outdoor places) Plant the herbs in a shady corner of the garden.herbCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + corner a tight/sharp corner (=very curved and difficult to drive around) Go slowly because there’s a sharp corner up ahead.a blind corner (=one that you cannot see around) The car had come speeding around a blind corner much too fast.havespeeda street corner There’s a newspaper shop on the street corner.verbsturn the corner (=go around a corner) I walked on and turned the corner into Church Road.walkturncome/go around a corner At that moment, a police car came around the corner.comeround a corner (=come around it) A tall good-looking man rounded the corner.lookroundtake a corner (=go around a corner in a car) He took the corner too fast and crashed into a tree.takecrashdisappear around a corner We watched the two boys disappear around the corner.watchboycut a corner (=not go all around the edge of a corner) I crashed into a motorcyclist who had cut the corner.crashhavestand on a corner She stood on the corner saying goodnight to Michael.standsay
cornerverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescornercornerscorneredcorneringcornercorner2 verbVerb form1[transitive]CATCH to force a person or animal into a position from which they cannot easily escape: Once the dog was cornered, he began to growl.becornerbegin2[transitive] to go to someone who is trying to avoid you, and make them listen to you: Later, he cornered Jenny on the stairs and asked her what was wrong.latecornerstairaskbe3corner the marketSELL to gain control of the whole supply of a particular kind of goods: They’ve been trying to corner the market by buying up all the wheat in sight.betrybuy4[intransitive] if a car corners, it goes around a corner or bend in the roadTHESAURUScatch to stop someone who is trying to escape, especially by running after them and then holding them: He raced after her, but he couldn’t catch her.race | The police caught the bank robbers after a car chase through the city.catchrobberarrest if the police arrest someone, they take him or her to a police station because they think that person has done something illegal: Wayne was arrested for dangerous driving.bearrestdrive | The police arrested him and charged him with murder.arrestchargeapprehend formal if the police apprehend someone they think has done something illegal, they catch him or her: The two men were later apprehended after they robbed another store.manbelateapprehendrob | The killers were never apprehended.killerbeapprehend | All of the kidnappers were apprehended and convicted.beapprehendconvictcapture to catch an enemy or a criminal in order to keep them as a prisoner: The French king was captured by the English at the battle of Poitiers in 1356.becapture | The gunmen were finally captured after a shoot-out with the police.gunmanbecapturetake somebody prisoner to catch someone, especially in a war, in order to keep them as a prisoner: 350 soldiers were killed and another 300 taken prisoner.soldierbekilltake | Ellison was taken prisoner by the Germans during the retreat to Dunkirk.betaketrap to make someone go to a place from which they cannot escape, especially by using your skill and intelligence: Police trapped the man inside a bar on the city’s southside.trapcorner to force someone into a place from which they cannot escape: He was cornered outside the school by three gang members.becornermember
verb (past tense and past participle burnt /bɜːnt $ bɜːrnt/ or burned)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: byrnan ‘to burn’ and bærnan ‘to cause to burn’ Verb form1PRODUCE HEATproduce flames and heat [intransitive] a)if a fire burns, it produces heat and flames:
There was a fire burning in the fireplace.beburnAn average household candle will burn for about six hours.hour b)if something is burning, it is producing flames and being damaged or destroyed by fire: Parts of the building are still burning.partbuildbeburn2DESTROY WITH FIREdestroy something with fire [transitive] to destroy or damage something with fire: I burnt all his old letters.burnletterCars were burned and shops were looted during the rioting.carbeburnshopbelootriotThe Grand Hotel had burnt to the ground.haveburngrindMake sure the iron isn’t too hot or you’ll burn the cloth.He dropped his cigarette and burnt a hole in the carpet.dropburn3injure/kill somebody with fire [transitive] to hurt yourself or someone else with fire or something hot: I burned my hand on the oven door.burnShe was badly burned in a road accident.beburnSixteen passengers were burned to death (=died in a fire).passengerbeburnA family of five were burned alive in their home last night (=died in a fire).beburnHeretics were burnt at the stake (=burnt in a fire as a punishment).hereticbeburn4sun [intransitive and transitive] if the sun burns your skin, or if your skin burns, it becomes red and painful from the heat of the sun → sunburn: I burn quite easily.Don’t forget you can still get burnt when you’re swimming or when it’s cloudy.burnswimHer face and neck were quite badly burned.beburn5food [intransitive and transitive] to spoil food by cooking it for too long, or to become spoiled in this way: I’m afraid I’ve burnt the pizza.burnburn something to a crisp/cinderThe meat was burned to a crisp.beburn6chemicals [transitive]DAMAGE to damage or destroy something by a chemical action: Quite a lot of household chemicals can burn your skin.chemical7fuel [intransitive and transitive]USE STH if you burn a fuel, or if it burns, it is used to produce power, heat, light etc: The boiler burns oil to produce heat.burngreenhouse gases caused by the burning of fossil fuelsgascauseburnfuel8fat/energy [transitive] if you burn fat or calories, you use up energy stored in your body by being physically active: Taking a brisk walk every morning is a great way to burn calories.takebecaloriea fat-burning exerciseburn9SHINElight [intransitive] if a light or lamp burns, it shines or produces light: A lamp was burning in the kitchen window.beburnThe hall light was still burning.beburn10feel hot and painful [intransitive and transitive]FEEL HOT/COLD/TIRED ETC if a part of your body burns, or if something burns it, it feels unpleasantly hot: The whisky burned my throat as it went down.burngoMy eyes were burning from the smoke.eyebeburn11BE EMBARRASSEDface/cheeks [intransitive] if your face or cheeks are burning, they feel hot because you are embarrassed or upset: I could feel my cheeks burning as I spoke.cancheekburnspeak12CD [transitive] if you burn a CD or DVD, you record music, images, or other information onto it using special computer equipment13be burning with rage/desire etcSTRONG FEELING OR BELIEF to feel a particular emotion very strongly: She was burning with curiosity.beburn14be burning to do somethingWANT to want to do or find out something very much: I was burning to know how he had got on in New York.beburnhaveget15be/get burned informal a)to be emotionally hurt by someone or something: Take things slowly – don’t get burned again.thingburn b)to lose a lot of money: The company got badly burned in the dot.com collapse.getburn16burn your fingers/get your fingers burned informalHARM/BE BAD FOR to suffer the unpleasant results of something that you have done: I tried a dating agency once, but got my fingers badly burnt – I’ll never do it again.trydategetfingerburn17burn a hole in your pocketSPEND MONEY if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you can18burn your bridges/boats informalDECIDE to do something with the result that you will not be able to return to a previous situation again, even if you want to: I’m really tempted to take up that job offer in Washington, but I don’t want to burn my boats with this company.temptboat19burn the candle at both ends informalWORK HARD to get very tired by doing things until very late at night and getting up early in the mornings20burn the midnight oil informalWORK HARD to work or study until late at night21it burns somebody that/how etc American EnglishANGRY used to say that something makes someone feel angry or jealous: It really burns me the way they treat us.burn22GO FASTgo fast [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] informalFAST/QUICK to travel very fastburn along/up etca sports car burning up the motorwaysportburnCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3adverbsbe badly/severely burned His face had been badly burned in the fire.havebeburnbe burned alive The animals were burned alive when a farm building caught fire.animalbeburnbuildcatchphrasesbe burned to death Anyone inside the truck would have been burned to death.willbeburnbe burned at the stake (=burned in a fire as a punishment) In those days witches were burned at the stake.daywitchbeburnTHESAURUSto be burningburn to produce heat and flames: The fire was still burning.beburn | A pile of branches was burning in the yard.branchbeburnbe on fire if a building, car, piece of clothing etc is on fire, it is burning and being damaged: Before long, the neighbouring houses were on fire too.housebebe alight especially written if something is alight, it is burning: By the time the fire engines got there, the whole building was already alight.enginegetbuildbe | The candle was still alight.bebe ablaze especially written if something is ablaze, it is burning with a lot of flames, so that it is seriously damaged: Twelve hours after the bombing raid, many parts of the city were still ablaze.hourbombpartbe | The two hundred tonnes of straw were now ablaze and firefighters struggled to get the fire under control.tonnebefirefighterstruggleblaze to burn very brightly with a lot of flames and heat: A big log fire was blazing in the fireplace.beblazesmoulder British English, smolder American English /ˈsməʊldə $ ˈsmoʊldər/ to burn slowly and continuously, producing smoke but no flames: A cigarette smouldered in the ashtray.smoulder | The fire in the chemical factory was so intense that it was still smouldering a week later.bebesmoulderlateflicker if a fire or flame flickers, it burns with an unsteady light that appears and disappears quickly: A welcoming fire flickered in the grate.welcomeflicker | Inside the shrine candles flicker next to statues of saints.candlestatuesaintto start burningcatch fire to start burning accidentally: We were worried the house would catch fire.beworrywill | Two farm workers died when a barn caught fire yesterday.workerdiecatchburst into flames to suddenly start burning and produce a lot of flames that cause serious damage: The plane crashed into the side of the mountain and burst into flames.crashflameignite /ɪɡˈnaɪt/ technical if a chemical or gas ignites, it starts burning: The compound ignites at 450 degrees Celsius.ignitedegree | Scientists could not explain why the gas had suddenly ignited.scientistcanhaveigniteto burn somethingburn to damage or destroy something with fire or heat: She lit a fire and burned his letters one by one.lightburnletterset fire to something (also set something on fire) to make something start burning so that it gets damaged: Vandals set fire to an empty warehouse.vandal | Teresa wondered if the burning log might set fire to the curtains.wonderburncurtain | The Vikings attacked villages along the coast and set them on fire.attackvillage | Sparks from the fireplace could easily set the curtains on fire.sparkcancurtainscorch to damage the surface of something by burning it so that a dark mark is left on it: Having the iron on a very high heat can scorch the fabric.have | The heater was left on all night and it scorched the wall.beleavescorchsinge /sɪndʒ/ to damage hair, wool, paper etc by burning it slightly so that the ends or edges are burnt: The flames were hot enough to singe your eyebrows.flamebeeyebrowscald to burn your skin with very hot liquid or steam: The coffee was so hot it nearly scalded his tongue.bescald | It’s easy to knock a pan off the stove and scald yourself.stave | He was scalded by steam escaping from the broken pipe.bescaldescapebreakignite technical to make something start to burn, especially something that burns easily such as a gas or chemical: The gas is ignited by an electrical spark.beignite | It appears he threw away a lit cigarette which ignited the petrol spilt on the ground.appearthrowlightignitespillgrindto make something stop burningput out to make something such as a fire, cigarette, or candle stop burning: It took firefighters four hours to put out the blaze.takefirefighterhour | She threw sand on the fire to put it out.throw | I put out my cigarette and went back into the house.goextinguish /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/ formal to make something such as a fire, cigarette, or candle stop burning: He managed to extinguish the flames with his coat.manageflame | Customers who smoke will be asked to extinguish their cigarettes or leave the premises.customeraskcigarettepremiseblow out to make a flame or fire stop burning by blowing on it: He blew out the candle and went to sleep.blowgo | The wind blew out the fire.blowburn away phrasal verb BURNif something burns away or is burned away, it is destroyed by fireburn something ↔ awayAll her hair had been burnt away.havebeburnburn down phrasal verb1BURNif a building burns down or is burned down, it is destroyed by fire: She was worried that the house might burn down while they were away.beworrybeburn something ↔ downThe old town hall was burnt down in the 1970s.beburn2BURNLESSif a fire burns down, the flames become weaker and it produces less heatburn something ↔ off phrasal verb1BURNto remove something by burning it: You can use a blowlamp to burn off the old paint.2EXERCISEto use energy that is stored in your body by doing physical exercise: I decided to go for a run to try and burn off a few calories.decidecalorieburn out phrasal verb1FIRESTOP HAPPENINGif a fire burns out or burns itself out, it stops burning because there is no coal, wood etc left: He left the fire to burn itself out.leave2be burnt outBURN if a building or vehicle is burnt out, the inside of it is destroyed by fire: The hotel was completely burnt out. Only the walls remained.beburnwallremainWe passed several burnt out cars.passburncar3burn something ↔ out to remove something by burning it: The cancer cells are burnt out using a laser beam.cellbeburnuse4TIREDto work so hard over a period of time that you become unable to continue working because you are tired, ill, or unable to think of any new ideas: It’s a high-pressure job and you could burn out young.canbe/get burnt outHe was almost burnt out by the time he was 21.beburnbeburn yourself outShe’s in danger of burning herself out.burn → burnout(1)5ENGINEDAMAGEif an engine or electric wire burns out or is burnt out, it stops working because it has been damaged by getting too hot: The plugs are wired so that if one burns out, the others will still start the engine.plugbewireburnburn something ↔ outI think you’ve burnt out one of the gaskets.burngasket6AIRCRAFTif a rocket or jet burns out, it stops working because all its fuel has been used → burnout(2)burn up phrasal verb1DESTROYBURNif something burns up or is burnt up, it is completely destroyed by fire or heat: The satellite will burn up as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere.enterburn something ↔ upMost of the woodland has now been burnt up.havebeburn2burn something ↔ up informal to use a lot of something in a careless way: Most household appliances burn up loads of electricity.applianceloadHe just burns up money!burn3BE HOTbe burning up spokenHOT if someone is burning up, they are very hot, usually because they are ill: Feel his forehead – he’s burning up.burn4MAKE SB ANGRYburn somebody upANGRY American English informal to make someone very angry: The way he treats her really burns me up.treatburn5EXERCISEburn something ↔ up to use energy that is stored in your body, by being physically active: As we get older, our body becomes less efficient at burning up calories.oldbecomelittleburncalorie
burnnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesburnburnsburnburn2 S3 noun [countable]Word family1BURNan injury caused by fire, heat, the light of the sun, or acid: His body was covered in cigarette burns.becoverburnsevere/serious burnsShe was taken to the hospital with serious burns.betakeburnSeveral of the survivors suffered severe burns.survivorsufferburnShe is being treated for minor burns.bebetreatburn2a mark on something caused by fire or heat: The desk was covered with graffiti and burn marks.becovermark3a painful mark on the skin caused by it rubbing hard against something rough4the burn informalEXERCISE a painful hot feeling in your muscles when you exercise a lot: Go for the burn.5British English a small stream
verb (past tense and past participle dropped, present participle dropping)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: droppian Verb form1let something fall [transitive] a)FALLto stop holding or carrying something so that it falls:
He dropped his briefcase on a chair.dropShe screamed and dropped the torch.screamdrop b)to make something such as a bomb fall from a plane: U.S. planes began dropping bombs on the city.planebegindropbombSupplies are being dropped for the refugees.supplybebedroprefugee2fall [intransitive]FALL to fall suddenly onto the ground or into somethingdrop from/offThe apples are beginning to drop from the trees.applebebegintreeYour button has dropped off.havedrop3move your body down [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive]BEND to lower yourself or part of your body suddenlydrop down/onto/intoHe dropped down onto the floor and hid under the table.drophideShe dropped her head back against the cushion.drop4become less [intransitive]LESS to fall to a lower level or amount, especially a much lower level or amountdrop suddenly/sharply/dramaticallyThe number of deaths on the roads has dropped sharply.numbdeathroadhavedropTemperatures drop quite dramatically at night, so bring some warm clothing.temperatureclothedrop toTheir share of the market dropped to 50 percent this year.drop5reduce [transitive]LESS to reduce the level or amount of something: You might be able to get them to drop the price.As soon as she saw the police car she dropped her speed.seedrop6not include [transitive] to decide not to include someone or something: His name was dropped from the list.bedropdrop somebody from a team/sideTaylor was bitterly disappointed to be dropped from the England side.bedisappointdrop7stop doing something [transitive]STOP DOING STH to stop doing something, discussing something, or continuing with something: The proposal was dropped after opposition from civil liberties groups.bedroplibertygroupdrop charges/drop a caseNew evidence was presented to the court and the case was dropped.bepresentbedropdrop a subject at school/university (=stop studying it)Students are allowed to drop history in Year 9.studentbeallowYou can’t expect me to drop everything (=completely stop doing whatever I am doing) whenever you’re in town.Oh, drop the ‘Senator’ (=stop calling me ‘Senator’) – just call me Gordon.Some time later, the matter was quietly dropped.latebedrop8stop talking about something [intransitive and transitive]STOP DOING STH to stop talking about somethingdrop the subjectTo her relief, Julius dropped the subject.dropdrop it (=stop talking about a subject)Just drop it, will you? I don’t want to talk about it any more.‘What about the money?’ ‘We’ve agreed to let it drop (=we have agreed not to talk about it any more).’agree9take somebody somewhere (also drop off) [transitive] to take someone by car to a place and leave them there, especially on your way to another place: Just drop me here – I can walk the rest of the way.drop somebody at somethingShe dropped Johnny at the school gates at about 8:30.dropgate10take something somewhere [transitive]TAKE/BRING to take something to a place and leave it theredrop something round/inI’ve got your books – I’ll drop them round to your place later.getbooklate11visit [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]VISIT to visit someone you know, usually without arranging a particular timedrop by/roundI just dropped by to see how you were getting on.dropbegetThe kids drop round and see her from time to time.kiddrop intoJan dropped into the office this morning to tell me her news.dropdrop in (on somebody)Why don’t you drop in for a drink one evening?even12slope downwards [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]DOWN if a path, land etc drops, it goes down suddenly, forming a steep slopedrop downThe cliff dropped down over a hundred feet to the sea below.dropfootdrop awayOn the left the ground drops away, giving a view over the rooftops.leavegrinddropgiverooftop13end a relationship [transitive]RELATIONSHIP informal to suddenly stop having a relationship with someone, especially a romantic relationship: She dropped him as soon as she found out he had been seeing another woman.dropfindhavebesee14until/till you dropTIRED until you are too tired to continue doing something: We’re going to shop till we drop!go15drop a hintSUGGEST to suggest or ask for something in an indirect way, hoping that the person you are talking to will understand what you mean: He dropped some big hints about what he wanted for his birthday.drophintwant16drop somebody a line/note informal to write a short letter to someone: Drop us a line to let us know how you’re getting on.get17drop dead a)DIE informal to die suddenly b)spoken informal an impolite expression which you say to someone when you are extremely angry with them18sb’s jaw dropped used to say that someone was very surprised19drop your eyes/gazeEMBARRASSED to stop looking at someone and look down, usually because you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable: Ben looked at me in horror for a moment and then dropped his gaze.lookdrop20the wind drops the wind stops: They waited for the wind to drop.wait21drop a bombshell informalSHOCK to suddenly tell someone a shocking piece of news: Finally she dropped the bombshell. She was pregnant and I was the father.dropbebe22drop somebody in it informal to say or do something that gets someone else into trouble: You told her where we went on Friday night! You’ve really dropped me in it now!tellgodrop23drop $50/£2,000 etc [transitive] informalMONEY to lose money in a business deal, a game etc: Phil dropped $200 playing poker yesterday.dropplay24drop a catch to fail to catch a ball hit by a batsman in cricket25drop a point to lose a point in a sports competition: Real Madrid dropped a point at home yesterday.drop26be dropping like flies informal if people are dropping like flies, they are getting ill or dying in large numbers27drop a clanger/brick British EnglishEMBARRASSED to say something embarrassing in a social situation28drop a stitch to let the wool fall off the needle when you are knitting29drop anchor to lower a boat’s anchor to the bottom of the sea, a lake etc so that the boat does not float away30drop acid informal to swallow LSD (=an illegal drug)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 7drop + NOUNdrop the charges/a case (=stop the legal process of trying to prove someone is guilty) Both men have been released and the charges have been dropped.manbereleasechargebedropdrop everything (=completely stop everything you are doing) When my mother was sick, I just dropped everything and flew to be with her in Seattle.bedropflydrop the idea The project was going to be too expensive so the idea was dropped.begobedropdrop a plan The company has dropped its plan to build a hotel on the site.havedropdrop a scheme/program etc Some banks have dropped their student loan scheme.bankdropdrop a subject (=stop studying it at school or university) Students may choose to drop a subject in their second year.studentdrop the pretence (=stop pretending) He has finally dropped the pretence that he’s innnocent.havedropdrop back (also drop behinddrop behind) phrasal verb to move more slowly than other people so that they get ahead of you: He started out with the leaders but at the first fence he dropped back.startleaderdropEllen dropped behind to tie her shoelace.dropdrop off phrasal verb1SLEEPto begin to sleep: She kept dropping off at her desk.keepdropI must have dropped off to sleep.drop2drop somebody/something ↔ off to take someone or something to a place by car and leave them there on your way to another place: I’ll drop you off on my way home.3LESSto fall to a lower level or amount: The number of graduates going into teaching has dropped off sharply.numbgraduategoteachhavedropdrop out phrasal verb1to no longer do an activity or belong to a group: The group gets smaller as members move away or drop out.getsmallmember2to leave a school or university before your course has finished → dropoutdrop out ofBill dropped out of college after his first year.drop3to refuse to take part in ordinary society because you do not agree with its principles → dropout: In the 60s, Leary urged kids to ‘Turn on, tune in and drop out.’urgekid
dropnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdropdropsdropdrop2 S2 W3 noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: dropa 1liquid [countable]LIQUID a very small amount of liquid that falls in a round shapedrop of
As the first drops of rain began to fall, Michael started to run.dropbeginstartA single drop of blood splashed onto the floor.splashA drop of sweat ran down her forehead and into her eye.run → rain drop, teardrop2small amount [usually singular] informal a)LIQUIDa small amount of liquid that you drink, especially alcoholdrop ofShe likes to add a drop of brandy to her tea.likeGeorge hasn’t touched a drop (=drunk any alcohol) for years.touchyear b)SMALLa small amount of somethingdrop ofI haven’t got a drop of sympathy for him.get3reduction [singular]LESS a reduction in the amount, level, or number of something, especially a large or sudden one SYN falldrop inManufacturers report a big drop in new orders.manufacturerordera drop in temperaturea sharp/dramatic/marked drop in somethingThe results showed a sharp drop in profits.resultshowprofit4distance to ground [singular]DISTANCE a distance from a higher point down to the ground or to a lower point: There was a steep drop on one side of the track.bea 20-metre dropThere was an almost sheer (=vertical) drop to the valley below.be5at the drop of a hatIMMEDIATELY immediately and without pausing to think about what you are going to do: Some of these corporations threaten to sue at the drop of a hat.corporation6delivery [countable] an act of delivering something somewhere, for example by dropping it from a plane SYN delivery: Air drops (=from a plane) of food aid were made to the region yesterday.dropbemakeMy first drop of the day is usually somewhere in north London.be → mail drop7lemon/fruit/chocolate etc drop a sweet that tastes of lemon etc8a drop in the ocean British English, a drop in the bucket American EnglishSMALL a very small amount of something compared to what is needed or wanted: 5,000 new schools are to be built, but this is just a drop in the ocean for such a vast country.schoolbebuildbe9eye/ear etc drops a type of medicine that you put in your eye, ear etc, one drop at a time
verb [transitive]Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: blamer, from Late Latin blasphemare; → BLASPHEME Verb form1BLAMEto say or think that someone or something is responsible for something bad:
Don’t blame me – it’s not my fault.I blame his mother. She does everything for him.doblame somebody/something for somethingMarie still blames herself for Patrick’s death.blameThe report blames poor safety standards for the accident.blamestandardThe decision to increase interest rates was widely blamed (=blamed by many people) for the crisis.ratebeblameblame something on somebody/somethingOne of the computers is broken and she’s blaming it on me.computerbebreakblameThe crash was blamed on pilot error.beblame2somebody/something is to blame (for something) used to say that someone or something is responsible for something bad: Officials believe that more than one person may be to blame for the fire.officialpartly/largely/entirely etc to blameTelevision is partly to blame.beRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say something is someone's fault , rather than saying they are to blame: He was to blame for the accident. ➔ The accident was his fault.3I don’t blame you/you can hardly blame him etc spokenCRITICIZE# used to say that you think it was right or reasonable for someone to do what they did: ‘She’s left her husband.’ ‘I don’t blame her, after the way he treated her.’leavetreatYou can hardly blame him for not waiting.wait4don’t blame me spokenNOT DO STH used when you are advising someone not to do something but you think that they will do it in spite of your advice: Buy it then, but don’t blame me when it breaks down.break5somebody only has himself/herself to blame spokenFAULT/BE SB'S FAULT used to say that someone’s problems are their own fault: If he fails his exams, he’ll only have himself to blame.failexamTHESAURUSblame verb [transitive] to say or think that someone or something is responsible for something bad that has happened: Democrats have blamed Republicans for the failure to reach an agreement.democratblamerepublican | Police blamed bad weather for a series of accidents on the roads.blameaccidentroad | For many years I blamed myself for her death.yearblame | They blamed the failure of the business on the economic downturn.blameput/place/lay the blame on somebody/something to say who or what you think is responsible for something bad that has happened, often unfairly or wrongly: Don’t try to put the blame on me! | Subsequent investigations placed the blame squarely on city officials.investigationplaceofficial | Farmers have laid the blame for their problems entirely on EU policies.farmerlayproblempolicysay it’s sb’s fault especially spoken to say that someone is responsible for something bad that has happened: Are you saying it’s my fault that we lost the game?besaylosehold somebody responsible to say that someone is responsible for something bad that has happened, because it was their duty to prevent it from happening: He was held personally responsible for the failure of the project.beholdtake the rap informal (also carry the can British English informal) to be blamed and punished for something that you did not do, or that someone else is also responsible for: He expects his wife to take the rap for him.expect | Alan’s colleagues decided to let him carry the can.colleaguedecide
blamenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesblameblamesblameblame2 noun [uncountable] BLAMEresponsibility for a mistake or for something badblame forDo you accept any blame for what happened?happenI always get the blame (=am blamed) for his mistakes!mistakeShe stole the money but she’s trying to put the blame on (=blame) me.stealtryCOLLOCATIONSverbsget the blame (=be blamed) Sam knew that if something went wrong, he’d get the blame.knowgotake/accept/shoulder the blame (=say that something is your fault) No one was prepared to take the blame for the disaster.beprepare | Parents must shoulder the blame if their kids behave badly.parentkidput/pin the blame on somebody (also lay/place the blame on somebody written) (=blame someone, especially when it is not their fault) Don’t try to put the blame on me. | Everyone laid the blame for the crisis on the government.layshift the blame (onto somebody) (=blame someone else for something you did) She always tried to shift the blame onto her brother.tryapportion/assign blame formal (=find someone to blame for something) He seemed to want to apportion blame for her death.seemshare the blame He admitted he shared the blame for their World Cup defeat.admitsharethe blame lies with somebody (=used to say that someone is responsible for something bad) In this case, the blame lay with the police.liephrasesplace the blame squarely/firmly on somebody (=blame someone in a very definite way) A military investigation placed the blame squarely on city officials.placeofficialpoint the finger of blame at somebody (=say that someone is responsible for something bad) I couldn’t believe it when they started pointing the finger of blame at me.startpoint
noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Latin
Origin: stilus ‘pointed stick, stylus, style of writing’ 1way of doing something [uncountable and countable]WAY/MANNER a particular way of doing, designing, or producing something, especially one that is typical of a particular place, period of time, or group of people:
an attempt to use Japanese management style in a European businessstyle ofdifferent styles of handwritingstyleBaroque-/Swedish-/country- etc styleCuban-style black beans and ricebeana Colonial-style houseThe dinner will be served buffet-style.serve2sb’s way of behaving [countable] the particular way that someone behaves, works, or deals with other people: Children have different styles of learning: some learn by seeing, some by hearing, some by doing.childstylelearnseeheardobe more sb’s style (=used to say that you prefer something)I don’t think the parachuting weekend is for me – the art class is more my style.parachutebebeI like your style (=approve of the way you do things), Simpson.I can’t ask a man out – it’s not my style (=it is not the way I usually behave).3art/literature/music [uncountable and countable] a typical way of writing, painting etc that is used by a particular person or during a particular period of time: The paintings are in an expressionistic style.paintingbeHemingway’s direct stylein the style of somebody/somethinga play in the style of classical Greek tragedy4fashion/design a)[countable] a particular design or fashion for something such as clothes, hair, furniture etc SYN fashion: Car styles have changed radically in the past 20 years.stylechangeyeartraditional/modern styleThe rooms are furnished in a modern style.roombefurnish b)[uncountable] the quality of being fashionable: young women interested in style rather than comfortwomaninterestin/out of styleLong skirts are back in style.skirtbe5attractive quality [uncountable]STYLE/ELEGANCE a confident and attractive quality that makes people admire you, and that is shown in your appearance, or the way you do things → stylish: You may not like her, but she certainly has style.haveThe team played with style.play → stylish6correct writing [uncountable] a way of using words or spelling that is considered correct: It’s not good style to use abbreviations in an essay.abbreviation7in styleSTYLE/ELEGANCE done in a way that people admire, especially because it is unusual, shows great determination, or involves spending a lot of moneyin great/grand/fine etc styleNadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game.winlose → cramp sb’s style at cramp2, → lifestyle
styleverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstylestylesstyledstylingstylestyle2 AC verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1to design clothing, furniture, or the shape of someone’s hair in a particular way: These shoes have been styled for maximum comfort.shoebestyleShe has her hair styled by Giorgio.havestyle2style yourself something formalNAME OF A PERSON to give yourself a particular title or name: They style themselves ‘the terrible twins’.twin3style it out British English informal to make an effort to appear relaxed and confident, especially when you have done something embarrassing → self-styled
adjective (comparative fatter, superlative fattest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: fætt 1fleshFAT weighing too much because you have too much flesh on your body OPP thin:
Are you suggesting I’m too fat?besuggesta short fat man in his early fiftiesfiftyYou’ll get fat if you eat all that chocolate.He looks much fatter than in his photo.lookfat2objectTHICK OBJECT OR MATERIAL thick or wide OPP thin: Dobbs was smoking a fat cigar.besmokea big fat book3money [only before noun] informalLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT containing or worth a large amount of money: a fat chequeOf course the supermarkets’ aim is to make fat profits.supermarketbeprofit4fat chance informalBELIEVE used to say that something is very unlikely to happenfat chance of‘You can go to bed now and sleep easy.’ ‘Fat chance of that!’5(a) fat lot of good/use spokenHELP not at all useful or helpful: Fat lot of use you are in the kitchen.be6fat cat informalRICH someone who has too much money, especially someone who is paid too much for their job – used in order to show disapproval: the fat cats at the top who have recently been given obscene pay increasescatbegiveincrease7in fat city American English old-fashionedRICH having plenty of money8grow fat on somethingRICH to become rich because of something – used to show disapproval: The finance men had grown fat on managing other people’s money.manhavegrowmanage9a fat lip informal a lip that is swollen because it has been hit: My friend was badly injured with bruised ribs and a fat lip.beinjurebruiserib10approval informal another spelling of phat – used to show approval, especially of someone or something that is fashionable, interesting, or attractivefat/phat beats (=music that sounds good)Check out these fat beats.beat—fatnessfatnessesfatness noun [uncountable]: a rise in fatness in childrenchildTHESAURUSfat having too much flesh on your body. It is rude to tell someone that they are fat. It is also better not to use any of these words when talking directly to someone about their body: She thinks she’s fat.think | He looks the same, just a little fatter.lookfatoverweight weighing more than you should: Many medical conditions are caused by being overweight.conditionbecausebe | She was several kilos overweight.bekilobig/large used when saying that someone has a big body. Large is more common than big in written English: My father was a big man.be | two large ladiesladyobese extremely fat in a way that is dangerous to your health: He went to a summer camp for obese teenagers.goteenagerchubby slightly fat in a nice-looking way – used especially about babies and children: A chubby little baby was playing on the rug.beplayplump a woman or child who is plump is slightly fat, especially in a pleasant way: Her mother was a plump cheerful woman.beflabby having soft loose skin that looks unattractive: a flabby stomach | Her body was getting old and flabby.begetportly literary fat and round – used especially about fairly old men: The bishop was a portly middle-aged gentleman.beage
fatnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfatfatsfatfat2 nounWord family1[uncountable] a substance that is stored under the skin of people and animals, that helps to keep them warm: Rolls of fat bulged over his collar.rollbulgeI didn’t like the meat – there was too much fat on it.be2[uncountable and countable] an oily substance contained in certain foods: Cream has a high fat content.havehigh/low in fatThis cheese is relatively low in fat.beYou should think about reducing your fat intake (=the amount of fat you eat).shallreducehigh-fat/low-fata low-fat diet → saturated fat3[uncountable and countable] an oily substance taken from animals or plants and used in cooking: Place the chicken in the hot fat.4the fat is in the firePROBLEM used to say that there will be trouble because of something that has happened5live off the fat of the landEARN to get enough money to live comfortably without doing much work6run to fatFAT to start to become fat, especially because you are getting older or do not do much exercise → chew the fat at chew1(4), → puppy fat
noun
1liquid/gas/electricity [countable usually singular]LIQUID a smooth steady movement of liquid, gas, or electricityflow ofHe struggled to swim against the flow of the water.struggleI tied a towel round his leg to try to stem the flow of blood.tie2traffic [countable usually singular, uncountable]PROVIDE the steady movement of traffic: a new road system to improve traffic flow through the city centre3goods/people/information [countable usually singular] the movement of goods, people, or information from one place to anotherflow ofthe flow of funds from the US to EuropefundThere has been a steady flow of people leaving the area.havebeleaveThey have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information.accusetryan attempt to stem the flow of refugees across the borderrefugee4speech/writing [uncountable]CONTINUOUS the continuous stream of words or ideas when someone is speaking, writing, or thinking about something: I didn’t want to interrupt her flow, so I said nothing.say5of the sea [singular] the regular movement of the sea towards the land: the ebb and flow of the tide6in full flow informalTALK TO SB if someone is in full flow, they are busy talking about something and seem likely to continue for a long time7go with the flowSAME to agree that you will do the thing that most people want to do: I don’t mind, I’ll just go with the flow.8go against the flowDIFFERENT to do something very different from what other people are doing → cash flow, → ebb and flow at ebb1(3)
flowverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesflowflowsflowedflowingflowflow2 W3 verb [intransitive]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: flowan Verb form1liquid/gas/electricityGO when a liquid, gas, or electricity flows, it moves in a steady continuous streamflow over/down/through etc
These gates regulate the amount of water flowing into the canal.gateflowIf the windows are shut, air cannot flow freely through the building.windowbebuild2goods/people/information [always + adverb/preposition]GO if goods, people, or information flow from one place to another, they move there in large numbers or amounts SYN pour, flood: Money has been flowing into the country from Western aid agencies.havebeflowagencyThe number of refugees flowing into the area is still increasing.numbrefugeeflowbeincrease3trafficEASY if traffic flows, it moves easily from one place to another: The new one-way system should help the traffic to flow better.shallwell4alcoholDRINK if alcohol flows at a party, people drink a lot and there is a lot available: Beer and whisky flowed freely as the evening wore on.flowevenwear5words/ideasCONTINUOUS if conversation or ideas flow, people talk or have ideas steadily and continuously, without anything stopping or interrupting them: Everyone was relaxed and the conversation flowed freely.berelaxflow6sea when the sea flows, it moves towards the land: We watched the tide ebb and flow.watch7feelingsFEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETC if a feeling flows through you or over you, you feel it stronglyflow through/overShe felt hot rage flowing through her.feelflow8clothes/hairGRACEFUL if clothing or hair flows, it falls or hangs loosely and gracefully: Her long hair flowed down her back.flow9flow from somethingCOME FROM/ORIGINATE to happen as a result of something: the political consequences that flowed from this decisionconsequenceflowTHESAURUSflow if liquid flows, it moves in a steady continuous stream: Blood flowed from his hand.flow | The river flows very quickly at this point.flowrun to flow – used when saying that something flows in a particular direction: Water was running down the walls of the room.berunwall | Sweat ran off his nose.run | The river runs into the sea.runcome out to flow out of something: You couldn't drink any of the water that came out of the tap.comepour to flow in large quantities: The rain poured down.pour | Blood was pouring from a wound on his head.bepourwindgush to flow out quickly in very large quantities: Water was gushing out at more than 3000 gallons a minute.begushgallonspurt to flow out suddenly with a lot of force: Oil was spurting from a small hole in the pipe.bespurttrickle to flow slowly in drops or in a thin stream: Clare felt sweat trickling down the back of her neck.feeltrickleleak to flow in or out through a small hole or crack, usually when this is not meant to happen: Oil was leaking from the engine.beleakooze to flow from something very slowly – used about blood or a thick liquid: Blood was oozing from the wound.beoozewind | Jam oozed out as she bit into the cake.oozebitedrip to fall in drops: Water dripped from the tap continuously.dripcascade to flow down the side of something in large amounts: Water cascades down the hilllside.cascade
noun [uncountable]Word family
1 the activity or sport of running → jogging: Did you go running this morning?dorunNew facilities include a pool and a running track.facilityrunrunning shoesrunshoe2the running of somethingCONTROL the process of managing or organizing a business, home, organization etc: Brian took over the day-to-day running of the company while his father was away.takerunbeHe praised the smooth running of the election.praiserun3be in the running/out of the runningWIN to have some hope or no hope of winning a race or competition: Who’s in the running for the world title this year?run4make (all) the running British English informal to be the person who makes most of the suggestions in a relationship, plan, activity etc
runningadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesrunningrunningrunning2 adjective [only before noun]Word family1running water a)WATERif a house has running water, it has pipes which provide water to its kitchen, bath, toilet etc b)WATERwater that is flowing or moving: the sound of running waterrunRinse the vegetables thoroughly under running water.vegetablerun2running commentarySAY a spoken description of an event, especially a race or game, made while the event is happening: She gave us a running commentary on what was happening in the street.giverunbehappen3running totalTOTAL a total that keeps being increased as new costs, amounts etc are added: Keep a running total of your expenses as you go along.runexpense4running battle/jokeARGUE an argument or joke that continues or is repeated over a long period of time5running sore a sore area on your skin that has liquid coming out of it6in running orderWORKING/NOT BROKEN a machine that is in running order is working correctly7the running orderORDER/SEQUENCE the order in which the different parts of an event have been arranged to take place8take a running jump spoken used to tell someone to go away and stop annoying you
runningadverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesrunningrunningrunning3 adverbWord family three years/five times etc runningCONTINUOUS for three years etc without a change or interruption SYN in a row: She won the prize for the fourth year running.winrun
noun (plural realities)Word family1[uncountable and countable]REAL/NOT IMAGINARY what actually happens or is true, not what is imagined or thought: the distinction between fantasy and realityTV is used as an escape from reality.beuseI think the government has lost touch with reality (=no longer understands what is real or true).havelosepolitical realitiesrealityharsh/grim/stark realityMillions of people live with the harsh realities of unemployment.realitythe reality is thatThe reality is that young people will not go into teaching until salaries are higher.beteachsalarybehighThe paperless office may one day become a reality.2in realityIN FACT used to say that something is different from what people think: In reality, violent crimes are still extremely rare.crimebe3[uncountable] the fact that something exists or is happening: She had never accepted the reality of her pregnancy.haveaccept → virtual realityCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesthe harsh/grim/stark reality (=conditions that are really very bad) We want to protect our children from the harsh reality of our violent world.childpolitical/social/economic realities He's ignoring political realities.ignorerealityverbsface reality (=accept it) It's painful, but you have to face reality.confront a reality (=consider or deal with it) They had to confront some unpleasant realities about themselves.haverealityignore a reality They are ignoring the reality of Arab politics.beignorewake up to reality (=realize what is happening or real) Well, they need to wake up to reality.lose touch with reality (=no longer know about ordinary things or what is possible) If all you have is the show-business world, you kind of lose touch with reality.beescape from reality The programmes help viewers escape from reality.programmeviewerbring somebody back to reality (=make them realize what is happening around them or true) She was brought back to reality by the pain in her ankle.bebringbecome a reality (=really happen, after being hoped for, feared, etc by someone) Last June, her longed-for baby finally became a reality.longbecomereflect reality (=match or show what is really happening or true) Do these novels accurately reflect contemporary reality?novelbear no relation to reality (=not match what is really happening or true) His vision of European politics bears no relation to reality.bearbe divorced from reality (=not connected in any way to what is really happening) His ideas are completely divorced from reality.ideabedivorcephrasesa dose of reality (=an experience of what things are really like) I got my first dose of reality when I reported to work at my new job.getreportsomebody's grasp of reality (=their understanding of reality) They portrayed her as a sick woman with only a tenuous grasp of reality.portray
noun [countable] MISTAKEa careless mistake: We cannot afford another slip-up.THESAURUSmistake something incorrect that you accidentally do, say, or write: a spelling mistakespell | I made a mistake – it should say £230, not £320.makeshallerror formal a mistake: an error in the report | grammatical errorserror | He had made a serious error on his tax form.havemakemisprint a small mistake in something that is printed: There was a misprint in the article, and instead of ‘pleasant’ it said ‘pheasant’.besaytypo informal a mistake in something that has been typed or printed: I spotted a couple of typos in the letter.spottypoinaccuracy formal a piece of information that is not completely correct: The report contained several inaccuracies.containinaccuracymix-up a careless mistake in which one name, time, address etc has been confused with another, so that the details of something are wrong: There was a mix-up over the train times and I missed my train.betimemissslip-up a careless mistake when you are doing something: The other team took advantage of the goalie’s slip-up.takeoversight a mistake in which you forget something or do not notice something: Through some oversight, the brochures were not ready by the right date.brochurebea slip of the tongue a mistake in which you accidentally say a similar sounding word: When I said Thursday, I meant Tuesday. It was a slip of the tongue.saymeanbefaux pas /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː, ˈfəʊ pɑː $ ˌfoʊ ˈpɑː/ formal an embarrassing mistake in a social situation, when you do or say something that you shouldn’t: Harris, trying to be funny, addressed the waiter as ‘boy’. A deathly silence followed this faux pas.tryaddressfollowpa
adjective
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: activus, from agere; → ACT1 1busyHEALTHY always busy doing things, especially physical or mental activities OPP inactive:
games for active youngstersgameyoungsterShe’s over 80, but is still very active.beactive life/lifestyleMy father always led a very active life.leadactive mind/imaginationa child with a very active imagination2involvedTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED involved in an organization or activity and doing lots of practical things to achieve your aims: He became politically active at college.becomebe active in (doing) somethingThe Bureau is active in promoting overseas investment.bepromotetake/play an active part/role in somethingEncourage students to take an active part in discussions.studentdiscussionShe took an active interest in local charities.takecharityactive participation/involvementthe importance of active participation by elderly people in the life of the communityWe’re taking active steps (=doing practical things) to deal with the problem.takestepWe maintain active links with other European universities.linkuniversityactive member/supporterHe is an active member of the Labour Party.be3functioning operating in a way that is normal or expected OPP inactive: The virus is active even at low temperatures.betemperature4doing something doing something regularly: sexually active teenagersteenager5volcano an active volcano is likely to explode at any time: The volcano became active last year with a series of eruptions.becomeeruption6grammar an active verb or sentence has the person or thing doing the action as its subject. In ‘The boy kicked the ball’, the verb ‘kick’ is active → passive1(2)7chemical producing a chemical reaction: nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco—activelyactively adverb: Carol was actively involved in the local sports club.beinvolvesportCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1nounsan active life He lived a full and active life.livean active lifestyle Studies show that an active lifestyle can reduce your chance of developing heart disease.studydevelopan active mind (=when someone is able to think quickly and clearly) A fit body is crucial if you want an active mind.bean active imagination (=when someone is able to form pictures or ideas easily) Some of the children have an overactive imagination.childverbskeep/remain active We try to keep the patients active by taking them for a daily walk.patienttakeadverbsphysically active You need to become more physically active and eat less.littlehighly/intensely active an intensely active childCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsan active role Most men play a less active role in family life than women.manlittlewomanan active part Our members take an active part in fund-raising.memberraisean active member She became an active member of the Geological Society.becomean active interest As a teenager he began to take an active interest in politics.beginactive participation/involvement (=in an activity or event) Active participation in community life is important in small towns and villages.betownvillage | The school encourages the active involvement of parents.encourageparentan active participant The student must be an active participant in the learning process.learnactive support (=encouragement or help) He wrote the book with the active support of his wife, Pam.writean active supporter The company is an active supporter of animal rights groups.berightgroupphrasesplay an active role in something Do you play an active role in your community?take an active part in something Most of the students take an active part in sports.studentsporttake active steps to do something You should take active steps towards reducing stress.shallstepreducetake an active interest in something Not many young people take an active interest in gardening.gardenadverbspolitically active As a student, he was politically active.beeconomically active The proportion of men aged 65–69 who are economically active has decreased.managebehavedecrease
activenounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesactiveactivesactiveactive2 noun the active the active form of a verb, for example ‘destroyed’ in the sentence ‘Enemy planes destroyed the village.’ → passive2
verb (past tense and past participle preferred, present participle preferring) [transitive not in progressive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: préférer, from Latin praeferre ‘to put in front, prefer’ Verb form1PREFERto like someone or something more than someone or something else, so that you would choose it if you could → preference:
This type of owl prefers a desert habitat.preferShe prefers her coffee black.preferthe government’s preferred optionpreferprefer somebody/something to somebody/somethinga child that prefers his imaginary world to realitypreferEmployees said they would prefer more flexible working hours.employeesaywillworkhourprefer to do somethingI prefer to wear clothes made of natural fibers.clothemakefiberOr, if you prefer, you can email us.prefer doing somethingChantal prefers travelling by train.prefertravelprefer thatWe prefer that our teachers have a degree in early childhood education.teacherRegisterIn everyday English, people often say they would rather do something instead of using prefer: I prefer to travel by train. ➔ I'd rather travel by train.2I would prefer it if spoken a)PREFERused to say that you wish a situation was different: Sales have gone down, and obviously we’d prefer it if that didn’t happen.salego b)NOT DO STHused when telling someone politely not to do something: I’d prefer it if you didn’t smoke in front of the children.child3prefer charges British English law to make an official statement that someone has done something illegal
noun
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old Norse 1bird [countable] a round object with a hard surface, that contains a baby bird, snake, insect etc and which is produced by a female bird, snake, insect etc:
Blackbirds lay their eggs in March.blackbirdlieeggan ostrich eggThe eggs hatch (=break open to allow the baby out) in 26 days.eggday2
food [uncountable and countable] an egg, especially one from a chicken, that is used for foodfried/poached/boiled etc eggsJoe always has bacon and egg for breakfast.haveWhisk the egg white (=the white part) until stiff.Beat in two of the egg yolks (=the yellow part).yolk → scrambled egg3egg shape [countable] something the same shape as an egg: a chocolate Easter egg → Easter egg4animals/people [countable] a cell produced by a woman or female animal that combines with sperm (=male cell) to make a baby SYN ovum5(have) egg on your faceEMBARRASSED if someone, especially someone in authority, has egg on their face, they have been made to look stupid by something embarrassing: The Pentagon’s been left with egg on its face.beleave6put all your eggs in one basketDEPEND ON/RELY ON to depend completely on one thing or one course of action in order to get success, so that you have no other plans if this fails: When planning your investments, it’s unwise to put all your eggs in one basket.planinvestmentegg7lay an egg American English informalFAIL to fail or be unsuccessful at something that you are trying to do8good egg old-fashionedGOOD/MORAL someone who you can depend on to be honest, kind etc → kill the goose that lays the golden egg at kill1(14), → nest egg
eggverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleseggeggseggedeggingeggegg2 verbDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: eggja Verb formegg somebody ↔ on phrasal verb PERSUADEto encourage someone to do something, especially something that they do not want to do or should not do:
Bob didn’t want to jump, but his friends kept egging him on.friendkeepegg
adjective [only before noun]Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: roial, from Latin regalis; → REGAL 1relating to or belonging to a king or queen → regal:
the royal palacethe royal family2used in the names of organizations that serve or are supported by a king or queen: the Royal Navythe Royal College of Music3IMPRESSvery impressive, as if done for a king or queen: a royal welcome4the royal 'we' British English the use of the word ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ by the Queen or King—royallyroyally adverb
royalnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesroyalroyalsroyalroyal2 noun [countable]Word family informal a member of a royal family OPP commoner
verb (past tense and past participle occurred, present participle occurring) [intransitive] formalWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: occurrere, from currere ‘to run’ Verb form1HAPPENto happen:
A third of accidental deaths occur in the home.deathThe explosion occurred at 5.30 a.m.occurRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say happen rather than occur:The accident happened while she was at school.happenbe2[always + adverb/preposition]EXIST to happen or exist in a particular place or situationoccur in/among etcWhooping cough occurs mainly in young children.whoopoccurchildThe highest rates of unemployment occur in the inner urban areas.highrateareaoccur to somebody phrasal verb THINK STH/HAVE A THOUGHTif an idea or a thought occurs to you, it suddenly comes into your mindit occurs to somebody to do somethingI suppose it didn’t occur to you to phone the police?It never seems to occur to my children to contact me.seemchildit occurs to somebody (that)It had never occurred to him that he might be falling in love with her.haveoccurfallTHESAURUShappen used especially when talking about events that have not been planned: When did the accident happen?do | Something terrible has happened!havehappentake place to happen – used especially when talking about events that have been planned or that have already happened: The conference will take place on the 16th of June. | The competition took place on Saturday 30th June.takeoccur formal to happen – used especially when talking about events that have not been planned: The incident occurred outside the police station at around 9 pm.occurthere is/there are used when saying that a particular event happens: There was an earthquake about a week ago.be | There are strikes almost every year.bestrikecome up to happen – used about problems, questions, or opportunities: There aren’t any jobs at the moment, but we’ll let you know if something comes up.jobcome | This question often comes up when I’m talking to students.cometalkstudentarise formal to happen unexpectedly – used about problems, arguments, or difficult situations: A dispute arose about who should receive the money.ariseshall | It is best to deal with the problem as soon as it arises.bewellarisecrop up to happen – used about problems or difficult situations, especially ones that are less serious, and can quickly be dealt with: The banks will contact their customers if a problem crops up.bankcustomercropstrike to happen suddenly and unexpectedly – used about very bad events: The hurricane struck at around 1 am.strikebe | Disaster struck, and he lost all movement in his legs.strikeloselegturn out to happen in a particular way: Luckily, everything turned out well.turn | How did it all turn out?do
verbWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: respondere ‘to promise in return, answer’, from spondere; → SPONSOR1 Verb form1[intransitive]REACT to do something as a reaction to something that has been said or done SYN reactrespond to
Responding to the news, Mr Watt appealed for calm.respondappealrespond by doing somethingThe US responded by sending troops into Laos.respondsendtrooprespond withVillagers responded with offers of help.villagerrespondoffer2[intransitive and transitive]ANSWER/REPLY to say or write something as a replyrespond thatHe responded that he didn’t want to see anyone.respondrespond toDave didn’t respond to any of her emails.email3[intransitive]RECOVER/GET BETTER to improve as a result of a particular kind of treatmentrespond toShe has responded well to treatment.haverespondColds do not respond to antibiotics.coldantibioticTHESAURUSanswer to say something to someone when they have asked you a question or spoken to you: You don’t have to answer the question if you don’t want to. | I said hello to her, but she didn’t answer.sayreply to answer someone. Used especially in written English to report what someone said: ‘I’m so sorry,’ he replied.reply | We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she was too busy.askreplyberespond formal to answer someone: How do you respond to the allegation that you deliberately deceived your employers?deceiveemployergive somebody an answer to answer someone by telling them what you have decided or giving them a piece of information they asked for: He asked me to marry him, but I didn’t give him an answer straight away.askget back to somebody to answer someone at a later time especially by telephoning them, usually because you need to think about their question or find out more information: She’s promised to get back to me as soon as she hears any more news from the hospital.promisehearretort written to answer someone angrily, especially because they have annoyed you or criticized you: ‘You’re not afraid?’ Brenda asked. ‘Of course not,’ he retorted angrily.askretort
nounWord family1[countable] a painted picture that you put on a wall for people to see: a collection of valuable paintingspaintingpainting ofThere was a large painting of his father on the wall.bepaintCan you help me hang this painting (=put it on a wall)?paint → oil painting2[uncountable] the act or skill of making a picture, using paints: Degas’ style of paintingpaintthe Cubist school of painting (=a particular style used by a group of people)paint3[uncountable] the work of covering a wall, house etc with paintpainting and decorating British EnglishTHESAURUSpicture shapes, lines etc painted or drawn on a surface, especially as a piece of art, and often showing what someone or something looks like: a picture of a horse | He painted the picture in 1890, just before he died.paintdiedrawing a picture drawn with a pencil, pen etc: We had to do a drawing of a sunflower.havedrawsketch a picture that is drawn quickly: I made a quick sketch of the kind of room we wanted.makewantpainting a picture made using paint: The painting now hangs in the Museum of Modern Art.painthang | Picasso did several paintings of her.dopaintingportrait a picture of a person: The portrait was painted by Rembrandt.bepaintlandscape a picture of a place, especially in the countryside or the mountains: Constable painted mainly landscapes.paintlandscapecartoon a funny drawing in a newspaper or magazine that tells a story or a joke: A cartoon in the New York Times showed the President talking to Osama Bin Laden.timeshowtalkladecomic strip a series of pictures drawn inside boxes that tell a story: Charles Schultz was famous for his cartoon strip about Snoopy and Charlie Brown.becaricature a funny drawing of someone that makes a part of someone’s face or body look bigger, worse etc than it really is, especially in a funny way: He is famous for his caricatures of politicans.becaricatureillustration a picture in a book: The book has over 100 pages of illustrations, most of them in colour.havepageillustrationposter a large picture printed on paper that you stick to a wall as decoration: old movie postersposter | There were lots of posters of pop bands on her bedroom wall.belotposterbandprint a picture that is usually produced on a printing press, and is one of a series of copies of the same picture: a limited edition of lithographic prints by John Lennonlimitprintimage a picture – used especially when talking about what the picture is like, or the effect it has on you: He produced some memorable images.produceimage | a beautiful image | Some of the images are deeply disturbing.imagebedisturbartwork pictures or photographs, especially ones that have been produced to be used in a book or magazine: We are still waiting for the artwork to come back from the printers.bewaitprinter
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: leggr 1body part [countable] one of the long parts of your body that your feet are joined to, or a similar part on an animal or insect:
a young boy with skinny legslegShe fell and broke her leg.fallbreakfour-legged/long-legged etcfour-legged animalsleganimal2meat [uncountable and countable] the leg of an animal when it is cooked and eaten as food: roast leg of lamb3
furniture [countable] one of the upright parts that support a piece of furniture: One of the legs on the table was a bit wobbly.legbebitea chair lega three-legged stoolleg4clothing [countable] the part of your trousers that covers your leg: The legs of my jeans were covered in mud.legbecoverHe rolled up his trouser legs and waded out into the stream.rolllegwade5journey/race [countable]PART one part of a long journey or raceleg ofthe final leg of the Tour de France6sport [countable] British English one of the series of games in a football competition played between two teams: Leeds will have to win the second leg if they are to go forward to the finals.befinal7not have a leg to stand on informalPROVE to be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say: If you didn’t sign a contract, you won’t have a leg to stand on.win8get your leg over British English informal not politeSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to have sex with someone9have legs American English informalLAST FOR A PERIOD OF TIME if a piece of news has legs, people continue to be interested in it and talk about it → on its last legs at last1(9), → on your last legs at last1(8), → pull sb’s leg at pull1(11), → leg-pull, leg-up, peg leg, sea legs, → shake a leg at shake1(9), → show a leg at show1(23), → stretch your legs at stretch1(7)
legverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesleglegsleggedlegginglegleg2 verb (past tense and past participle legged, present participle legging) British English informalVerb form leg itLEAVE A PLACE to run in order to escape from someone or something: We saw him coming, and legged it out of the house.seecomeleg
adjectiveWord family1IMPORTANTextremely important and necessaryessential for/toA good diet is essential for everyone.beit is essential (that)It is essential that our pilots are given the best possible training.bepilotbegivewelltrainit is essential to do somethingIt is essential to book in advance.beWindow locks are fairly cheap and absolutely essential.lockbeEven in small companies, computers are an essential tool.companycomputerbe2MAINthe essential part, quality, or feature of something is the most basic one SYN fundamental: The essential difference between Sam and me was the fact that I took life seriously.betakeThe essential point of relay racing is that it is a team effort.racebebeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1nounsessential information You can get essential travel information from the website.essential reading The journal is essential reading for doctors.bereaddoctoressential services (=organizations such as the police or the fire or health service) The law prohibits workers in essential services from striking.prohibitworkerservicestrikeadverbsabsolutely/really essential It is absolutely essential to keep this information secret.beverbsbe seen/regarded as essential These measures are seen as essential for national security.measurebeseebe considered/deemed essential During the summer, air conditioning is considered essential.conditionbeconsiderphrasesplay/perform an essential role in something Antibiotics play an essential role in controlling infection.antibioticcontrolCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsthe essential element Hard work is the essential element of his success.bean essential ingredient Most people believe that love is an essential ingredient in a marriage.bean essential difference The essential difference between the two boats lies in the design of the hull.boatliethe essential point The essential point is that all children should have an equal opportunity to study.bechildshallan essential feature A free press is an essential feature of a democracy.bean essential component Controlling inflation is an essential component of the government’s economic strategy.controlbethe essential nature of something The essential nature of stem cells is that they are the source of all other cells in the body.cellbebecellTHESAURUSessential extremely important and necessary: Water is essential for life.be | The right to protest is an essential part of any democracy.be | I missed out an essential ingredient.miss | They learn skills that are essential for success in later life.skillbelatevital extremely important and necessary. Vital sounds stronger than essential: His evidence was vital to the defence case.be | Nurses and police officers provide vital services.nurseofficerservice | It is vital that leaking gas pipes are fixed immediately.beleakpipebefixcrucial extremely important and making the difference between success and failure: Advertising is crucial to successful bookselling.advertisebe | The headteacher has played a crucial role in transforming this school.haveplaytransformindispensable if someone or something is indispensable, you cannot do something without them and they are extremely useful: She soon made herself indispensable in the office.make | Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.phonelivesomething is a must informal used when recommending something to someone and saying that they should definitely have it, do it, visit it etc: Virus checkers are a must for computer users concerned with security.checkerbeuserconcern | If you’re in Austria, a visit to Salzburg is a must.be
essentialnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesessentialessentialsessentialessential2 noun1[countable usually plural]IMPORTANT something that is necessary to do something or in a particular situation SYN necessity: She packed a few essentials.packessentialWe only had the bare essentials (=the most necessary things).haveessential2the essentials [plural]MAIN the basic and most important information or facts about a particular subjectthe essentials ofWe have no reason to doubt the essentials of the girl’s story.essential
conjunction, preposition1used to introduce the only person, thing, action, fact, or situation about which a statement is not true: The office is open every day except Sundays.beYou can have any of the cakes except this one.cakeexcept forEveryone went except for Scott and Dan.goShe felt fine except for being a little tired.feelbetireexcept (that)Clarissa could think of nothing to say except that she was so sorry.canbeexcept in/by/to etcStaff are not permitted to make personal phone calls except in an emergency.bepermitcallexcept when/where/ifBenson kept the studio locked except when he was working there.keeplockbeworkexcept do somethingShe had nothing to do except spend money.haveexcept to do somethingHe wouldn’t talk about work, except to say that he was busy.be2used to give the reason why something was not done or did not happenexcept (that)Liz would have run, except that she didn’t want to appear to be in a hurry.will3spoken used to mention a fact that makes what you have just said seem less trueexcept (that)I have earrings just like those, except they’re blue.earringA date book would make a great gift, except that a lot of people already have one.willGrammar Do not say 'except of something' or 'except from something'.Except is not used by itself to introduce a clause. Use unless or except when/where/if: We won’t go unless you really want to (NOT except you really want to).winI cycle to work, except when it rains (NOT except it rains).rainrainTHESAURUSexcept used when saying that a statement does not include a particular person or thing. At the beginning of a sentence, you must use except for, not just except, before a noun: The office is open every day except Sundays.be | Except for a man walking his dog, the park was empty.walkbe | Most of the critics liked the play, except for one critic on the 'Los Angeles Times'.criticliketime | Except for a few years in the early sixties and seventies, inflation has been a continuing feature of American life since World War II.yearhavebecontinue | The area looks very much like the state of Iowa, except that it is surrounded by beautiful snow-covered mountains.lookbesurroundcovermountain | Except in an emergency, these doors must remain closed.doorcloseapart from/aside from used when mentioning one or two things that do not fit the main thing that you are saying: Aside from one or two minor errors, this is an excellent piece of research.errorbe | The films were all made in Hollywood, apart from one, which was made in the UK.filmbemakebemake | The weather was not very good in the first week. Apart from that, it was a good holiday.bebeexcluding/not including used when saying that something, especially a total number or amount, does not include a particular thing or person. Excluding is more formal than not including: The software costs $49.95, not including tax.costinclude | Excluding students, the total number of unemployed rose from 2 million to 2.3 million.excludestudentnumbrisewith the exception of formal except for one particular person or thing: Denmark has more wind turbines than any other place in the world, with the exception of California.haveturbine | With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.bewomanbut used especially after words such as nothing, all, any, anyone, everything or everyone when saying that something is the only thing, or someone is the only person: There is nothing but trees, for mile after mile.betree | The garment covers everything but the eyes.covereye | All but a few of her family died of the disease.diesave formal used for mentioning the only person or thing which is not included in what you are saying: Every man she had ever loved, save her father, was now dead.havelovebe
exceptverbPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesexceptexceptsexceptedexceptingexceptexcept2 verb [transitive]Verb form formalEXCEPT to not include somethingexcept something from somethingHigh technology equipment would be excepted from any trade agreement.willexcept
nounDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: prospectus, from the past participle of prospicere ‘to look forward’ 1[uncountable and countable]FUTURE the possibility that something will happenprospect of doing something
I see no prospect of things improving here.thingimproveThere is every prospect (=a strong possibility) of the weather remaining dry this week.beremainprospect forThere are good prospects for growth in the retail sector.beprospectprospect thatThere’s a real prospect that England will not qualify for the World Cup.2[singular] a particular event which will probably or definitely happen in the future – used especially when you want to talk about how you feel about itprospect ofThe prospect of marriage terrified Alice.terrifyGreeks face the prospect of new general elections next month.electionHe relishes the prospect of a fight.relishdaunting/exciting etc prospectbe excited/alarmed/concerned etc at the prospect (of something)She wasn’t exactly overjoyed at the prospect of looking after her niece.look3prospects [plural]CHANCE/OPPORTUNITY chances of future success: I had no job, no education, and no prospects.haveprospectjob/career prospectsJob prospects for graduates don’t look good.prospectgraduate4[countable]CHANCE/OPPORTUNITY a person, job, plan etc that has a good chance of success in the future5in prospect formalFUTURE likely to happen in the near future: A new round of trade talks is in prospect.talkbe6[countable usually singular] formal a view of a wide area of land, especially from a high placeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesdaunting (=frightening in a way that makes you not feel confident) It is a pretty daunting prospect, being on stage for forty minutes.bedauntbeminuteterrifying Driving through London in a strange car was a terrifying prospect.drivebeterrifygloomy/grim/bleak Many Britons face the grim prospect of having their home repossessed.haverepossessexciting We were to be her guardians. This was an exciting prospect.beguardianbeexciteattractive A journey of that length was not an attractive prospect.beverbsface the prospect (of something) Now they face the prospect of unemployment.relish the prospect (of something) (=enjoy the thought of it very much) She would have to speak to him. She didn’t relish the prospect.willdread the prospect (of something) (=feel very worried about it) I dread the prospect of staying here while you’re away.stayphrasesbe excited/thrilled/delighted etc at the prospect (of something) I was excited at the prospect of going to Washington.beexcitegobe alarmed/appalled/upset etc at the prospect (of something) She was secretly appalled at the prospect of being looked after by her aunt.beappalbelookTHESAURUSwhat will happen to somebody/somethingsb’s/sth’s future what will happen to someone or something: He knew that his future was in films.knowbefilm | Shareholders will meet to decide the company’s future.shareholderfate someone or something’s future – used especially when you are worried that something bad could happen: The fate of the hostages remains uncertain.hostageremain | The show’s fate lies in the hands of TV bosses.liehandbossdestiny what will happen to someone in their life, especially something important: Sartre believed that everyone is in charge of their own destiny.believebe | He thinks that it is his destiny to lead the country.thinkbethe outlook what will happen, especially concerning business, the economy, or the weather: The economic outlook looks good.look | Here is the weather outlook for tomorrow.beprospect the idea or possibility that something will happen: the awful prospect of another terrorist attack | Prospects for a peace settlement don’t look too good.prospectfortune what will happen to a person, organization etc in the future – used especially when talking about whether or not they will be successful: Fans are hoping for a change in the club’s fortunes.fanbehopefortune | Two years ago, my financial fortunes took a turn for the better (=they improved).yearfortunetakewell | In 1680 he decided that his fortune lay in the theatre.decidelie
prospectverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesprospectprospectsprospectedprospectingprospectpro‧spect2 /prəˈspekt $ ˈprɑːspekt/ verb [intransitive]Verb form1LOOK FORto examine an area of land or water, in order to find gold, silver, oil etc → prospectorprospect forThe company is prospecting for gold in Alaska.beprospect2to look for something, especially business opportunitiesprospect forsalesmen prospecting for new customerssalesmanprospectcustomer
noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Origin: Perhaps from Middle Dutch spotte 1placePLACEAREA a particular place or area, especially a pleasant place where you spend time:
a nice quiet spot on the beachI chose a spot well away from the road.choosein a spota small cottage in an idyllic spoton a spotWhy do they want to build a house on this particular spot?the exact/same/very spotthe exact spot where the king was executedbeexecutespot foran ideal spot for a picnic2area a usually round area on a surface that is a different colour or is rougher, smoother etc than the rest SYN patch: a white cat with brown spotsspotspot ofTwo spots of colour appeared in Jill’s cheeks.spotappearcheek3markAREA a small mark on something, especially one that is made by a liquid: There was a big damp spot on the wall.bespot ofa few spots of bloodspot4on skin a)a small round red area on someone’s skin that shows that they are ill: He had a high fever and was covered in spots.havebecoverspot b)British English a small raised red mark on someone’s skin, especially on their face SYN pimple: Becka was very self-conscious about her spots.bespot5on the spot a)IMMEDIATELYif you do something on the spot, you do it immediately, often without thinking about it very carefully → on-the-spot: He had to make a decision on the spot.have b)if you are on the spot, you are in the place where something is happening: We ought to find out the views of the people on the spot.view c)British English if you walk, run, or jump on the spot, you do it staying in the same place, without moving around SYN in place American English: If running outside doesn’t appeal, try jogging on the spot indoors.runjog6put somebody on the spotASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to deliberately ask someone a question that is difficult or embarrassing to answer7tv/radio a short period of time when someone can speak or perform on radio or television: He was given a 30-second spot just after the news.begivea guest spot on ‘The Tonight Show’8positionPOSITION/RANK a position in a list of things or in a competition: The budget has a regular spot on the agenda.havein a spotManchester United are still in the top spot after today’s win.unitebe9weak spot a)FAULT/STH WRONGa point at which someone or something is not very good: I carried on with my questions, sensing a weak spot in his story.carryquestionsense b)American EnglishLIKE SB OR STH if someone has a weak spot for something, they like it very much: I’ve always had a weak spot for chocolate.have10tight spot informalPROBLEM a difficult situation: This puts the chairman in a very tight spot.putI hope you can help get me out of a tight spot.11bright spotHOPE something that is good in a bad situation: The computer industry is the one bright spot in the economy at the moment.beThe only bright spot of the evening was when the food arrived.evenbearrive12a spot of something British English informalLITTLE/NOT MUCH a small amount of something: Do you fancy a spot of lunch?I’ve been having a spot of bother (=some problems) with my car.behave13spots of rain British English a few drops of rain: A few spots of rain began to fall.spotbegin14five-spot/ten-spot etc American English spoken a piece of paper money worth five dollars, ten dollars etc → beauty spot, blackspot, blind spot, → change your spots at change1(16), → G-spot, → high point/spot at high1(12), → hit the spot at hit1(28), → hot spot, → knock spots off at knock1(19), → be rooted to the spot at root2(5), → have a soft spot for somebody at soft(16), → trouble spot
spotverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesspotspotsspottedspottingspotspot2 S3 verb (past tense and past participle spotted, present participle spotting) [transitive]Word familyVerb form1NOTICEto notice someone or something, especially when they are difficult to see or recognize: I spotted a police car behind us.spotIt can be hard for even a trained doctor to spot the symptoms of lung cancer.trainsymptomspot somebody doing somethingMeg spotted someone coming out of the building.spotcomebuilddifficult/easy to spotDrug addicts are fairly easy to spot.addictbespot thatOne of the station staff spotted that I was in difficulty, and came to help.spotbecome2be spotted with somethingMARK to have small round marks or small pieces of something on the surface: The windscreen was spotted with rain.bespot3American EnglishADVANTAGE to give the other player in a game an advantagespot somebody somethingHe spotted me six points and he still won.spotpointwin
spotadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesspotspotspot3 adjective [only before noun] for buying or paying immediately, not at some future time: They won’t take credit; they want spot cash.winHe quoted us a spot price for the goods.quotegood
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: projectum, from the past participle of proicere ‘to throw forward’ 1JOB/TASKa carefully planned piece of work to get information about something, to build something, to improve something etc:
The project aims to provide an analysis of children’s emotions.aimchildemotiona three-year research projectThe scheme will now be extended after a successful pilot project (=a small trial to test if an idea will be successful).extendproject to do somethinga project to develop a substitute for oilThe project is funded by Wellcome plc.befunda project manager2a part of a school or college course that involves careful study of a particular subject over a period of timeproject onWe’re doing a project on pollution.doa geography project3(also the projects American English informal) a housing projectCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + projecta research project The aim of this research project is to study modern food habits.behabita construction project Spending on new construction projects has been reduced.spendprojecthavebereducea development project Our aim is assess the environmental impact of new development projects.beprojecta pilot project (=one organized to test if an idea will be successful) These changes were shelved after pilot projects showed poor results.changebeshelveprojectshowresulta major project The company is funding a major research project into the causes of addiction.befundcausean ambitious project Young people often enjoy the challenge of an ambitious project.successful Was the project successful?beverbswork on a project A team has been working on the project for three years.havebeworkyearbe involved in a project I am involved in various projects.beinvolveprojectset up a project (=organize it) $30 million would be required to set up the project.willrequireembark on a project (=start it) He was embarking on the biggest project of his career.beembarkbigcomplete a project The project was completed on time.becompleteproject + NOUNa project manager/leader The project manager is responsible for sorting this out.besorta phase/stage of a project The first phase of the project was due to be completed by the end of 2008.becomplete
projectverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprojectprojectsprojectedprojectingprojectpro‧ject2 AC /prəˈdʒekt/ verb
Date: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of proicere; → PROJECT1 Verb form1calculate [transitive]PREDICT to calculate what something will be in the future, using the information you have now:
The company projected an annual growth rate of 3%.projectprojected sales figuresprojectsalefigurebe projected to do somethingTotal expenditure is projected to rise by 25%.beproject2stick out [intransitive]STICK OUT to stick out beyond an edge or surface SYN protrudeproject out/from/through etcFour towers projected from the main building.towerprojectbuildprojecting teethprojecttooth3film [transitive] to make the picture of a film, photograph etc appear in a larger form on a screen or flat surfaceproject something onto somethingShe projected the slide onto the wall.project4yourself [transitive]EXPRESS to try to make other people have a particular idea about you: I hope the team will project a smart professional image.project yourself (as something)his attempts to project himself as a potential leaderattempt5plan be projectedPLAN to be planned to happen in the future: the projected closure of the hospitalproject6project your voiceTALK/MAKE A SPEECH to speak clearly and loudly so that you can be heard by everyone in a big room7send [transitive]THROW to make something move up or forwards with great force: The plant projects its seeds over a wide area.projectseed8success [transitive] to make someone quickly have success or a much better jobproject somebody into/onto etc somethingHis success projected him onto Channel 4‘s comedy series ’Packet of Three'.project9feeling [transitive]AVOID to imagine that someone else is feeling the same emotions as youproject something on/onto somebodyYou’re projecting your insecurity onto me.project
(written abbreviation Sr. American English Snr British English) OLD/NOT YOUNGused after the name of a man who has the same name as his son → Junior: John J. Wallace, Sr.
senioradjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesseniorseniorsenior1 W2
adjectiveDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: ‘older’, from senex ‘old’ 1HIGH POSITION OR RANKhaving a higher position, level, or rank → junior:
the senior Democrat on the House committeeWhite men hold most of the jobs in senior management.manjobthe senior partner in a law firmsenior toHe is also a diplomat, but senior to me.be2[only before noun] British EnglishOLD/NOT YOUNG a senior competition is for older people or for people at a more advanced level: I won the 60-metre race, my first senior success.winCOLLOCATIONSnounssenior management Within the week senior management approved her proposal.approvesenior staff Some senior staff criticized the headteacher's behaviour.criticizea senior manager She's now a senior manager for a large toy company.a senior executive (=in a company) All the company's senior executives get large bonuses.executivebonusa senior official (=in an organization) a meeting of senior government officialsmeetofficiala senior officer (=in the police or military) Inspector Wild is the senior officer in charge of the investigation.bea senior partner (=in a law firm etc) He was a senior partner in a prestigious Canadian law firm.bea senior member The President announced a reshuffle involving several senior members of his Cabinet.announceinvolvemember
seniornounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesseniorseniorsseniorsenior2 noun [countable]1American English a student in their last year of high school or university → freshman, junior, sophomore: Jen will be a senior this year.2OLD/NOT YOUNG especially American English a senior citizen: Seniors can get a 10% discount.senior3be two/five/ten etc years sb’s seniorOLD/NOT YOUNG to be two, five, ten etc years older than someone → junior: Her husband was nine years her senior.beyear4British English an adult or a person who has reached an advanced level in a particular sport → junior: Juniors and seniors train together on Wednesdays.juniorseniorTHESAURUSdescribing someone’s position in an organizationsenior used about someone who has an important position in an organization. Senior can also be used about someone who has a higher position than you in an organization: a senior executive | She’s a senior partner in a law firm. | She is senior to me.bechief [only before noun] used, especially in job titles, about someone who has the most important or one of the most important positions in an organization: Carole is the company’s chief financial officer.be | He’s the chief economist at Hangseng Bank.high-ranking [only before noun] used about someone who has a high position in an organization such as the government, the army, or the police: high-ranking government officialsrankofficial | a high-ranking police officerranktop [only before noun] used about someone who is very good, important, or successful in their job: a top lawyer | He’s one of the President’s top aides.aide | top diplomatsdiplomatjunior used about someone who has a low position in an organization. Junior can also be used about someone who has a lower position than you in an organization: a junior clerk | a junior doctor | His role as naval officer was junior to Nelson.beassistant [only before noun] an assistant manager, director, editor etc has a position just below a manager etc: He’s an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard University. | She became assistant director at the Belgrade Theatre.become
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Origin: disport 1games a)[countable]SPORT/GAME a physical activity in which people compete against each other:
My favourite sports are tennis and swimming.sportbeswima sports teamsportAll students are encouraged to take part in a sport.studentbeencourageHe picked up the newspaper and turned to the sports pages.pickturnsportpage b)[uncountable] British EnglishSPORT/GAME sports in general: Why is there so much sport on TV?beI always hated sport at school.hateGrammarThe uncountable use of sport is British English only: I’m not interested in sport.interest In American English, the plural sports is used: He likes watching sports on TV.likewatchsport2hunting [countable]SPORT/GAME an activity that people do in the countryside, especially hunting or fishing: the sport of falconrya demonstration by people opposed to blood sports (=sports that involve killing animals)opposesport3helpful person [countable usually singular] (also good sport) old-fashionedHELP a helpful cheerful person who lets you enjoy yourselfbe a sport (=used when asking someone to help you)Be a sport and lend me your bike.4a good sport someone who does not get angry when they lose at a game or sport5a bad/poor sport someone who gets angry very easily when they lose at a game or sport6man/boy spoken a)Australian EnglishTALK TO SBMAN used when speaking to someone, especially a man, in a friendly way: See you later, sport.late b)American English old-fashionedTALK TO SB used when speaking to a boy in a friendly way7fun [uncountable] old-fashionedENJOY/LIKE DOING STH fun or amusement: Did she torment him merely for sport?do8make sport of somebody old-fashionedMAKE FUN OF to joke about someone in a way that makes them seem stupid → field sports, water sports, winter sportsCOLLOCATIONSverbsplay (a) sport My ambition was to play sport at the highest level.behightake part in (a) sport Students are encouraged to take part in a sport of some kind.studentbeencouragedo sport British English, do sports American English I did a lot of sport at school.dotake up a sport (=start doing it) I took up the sport six years ago.takeyearcompete in a sport (=do that sport in competitions) She competed in various sports when she was young.competesportbeADJECTIVES/NOUN + sporta team sport I liked playing team sports such as football and rugby.likeplaysportan individual sport You have to be mentally tough to compete in individual sports.sporta spectator sport (=one that people enjoy watching) Football is the most popular spectator sport.becompetitive sport(s) (=in which people compete and try to win) Competitive sport teaches valuable lessons which last for life.teachlessona contact sport (=one in which players have physical contact with each other) People get hurt in contact sports, but they also have fun.sporta winter sport (=skiing, ice skating etc) More and more people are taking up winter sports.betakesportan extreme sport (=one that is dangerous) Many teenagers are attracted to extreme sports such as snowboarding.teenagerbeattractsportprofessional sport(s) (=which people are paid to do) The kind of money involved in professional sport makes cheating inevitable.involvemakecheata minority sport (=one that very few people do) Minority sports rarely feature on TV.sportsports + NOUNa sports team A lot of schools have their own sports teams.schoolsportteama sports club She joined her local sports club.joinsporta sports field/ground The village has its own sports field.havesporta sports event Is this country able to stage a major sports event?besporta sports fan (=someone who enjoys watching sport) He was a big sports fan.besporta sports personality (=someone who is famous for playing sport) The event will be opened by a well-known sports personality.openknowsportsports facilities All our holiday camps have wonderful sports facilities.campsportfacilitysports equipment a new online store selling all kinds of sports equipmentsellkindsporta sports injury The clinic specializes in treating sports injuries.specializetreatsportinjuryCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'make (a) sport'. Say do (a) sport or play (a) sport.THESAURUSplaces where people do sport field (also pitch British English) a large area of ground, usually covered with grass, where team sports are played: A few kids were playing on the football field.kidbeplay | a hockey fieldstadium a large sports field with seats all around it for people to watch team sports or track and field competitions: The atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium was amazing.beamaze | a football stadiumground British English a sports field and the seats and buildings around it, belonging to a particular football, rugby, or cricket team: I met my friends inside the ground.meetfriendgrindballpark/park American English a stadium where baseball is played: Busch Stadium is one of the newest ballparks in Major League.benewballparkcourt an area with lines painted on the ground, for tennis, badminton, basketball, or volleyball: The hotel has four tennis courts and a volleyball court.havecourtdiamond the area in a baseball field that is within the shape formed by the four bases. The diamond can also be the whole field: The pitcher stands in the middle of the diamond.stand | There’s a playground, a picnic area, and a baseball diamond.track a circular path with lines on it, for running on: In the relay, each runner runs once around the track.rungym a room with machines which you can use to do exercises: He spends an hour in the gym every day.spendpool/swimming pool a place where you can swim: He jumped into the deep end of the pool.jump | I’ll meet you outside the swimming pool.swimsports centre British English, sports center American English a building where you can play many types of indoor sports: Why not do exercise classes at your local sports centre?classsporthealth club a small sports centre, where you pay to be a member: How much does it cost to join a health club?do
sportverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessportsportssportedsportingsportsport2 verbWord familyVerb form1be sporting somethingWEAR CLOTHES to be wearing something or have something on your body and show it to people in a proud way: Eric was sporting a new camelhair coat.besport2[intransitive] literaryENJOY/LIKE DOING STH to play together happily: the sight of dolphins sporting amidst the wavesdolphinsportwave
nounWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: cople, from Latin copula; → COPULA 1a couple a)TWOtwo things or people of the same kind SYN a fewa couple of
There are a couple of girls waiting for you.begirlwait b)FEW/NOT MANYa small number of things: I just need to make a couple more calls.calla couple ofYou’ll be all right in a couple of days.day2[countable]MARRY two people who are married or having a sexual or romantic relationship: a newly married couplemarrythe couple next doorCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesa young/middle-aged/elderly couple A young couple with a baby have just moved into the house next door.movea married couple Under the new rules, a married couple will now receive £20 a week extra.rulemarrya newly married couple (=having married not long ago) Many newly married couples cannot afford to buy their own homes.marrycouplehomean unmarried couple She rented the room to a young, unmarried couple.renta childless couple (=without children) Are childless couples more or less likely to split up?becouplelittlea retired couple (=having finished working at the end of their working lives) The house is suitable for a retired couple.beretirethe happy couple (=the bride and bridegroom at their wedding) Guests stood around the happy couple, their glasses raised.gueststandglassraisea perfect couple (=a couple that seem very suitable for each other) Emily and John seemed a perfect couple.seema courting couple old-fashioned (=having a romantic relationship, often planning to get married later) The path by the river is a popular area for courting couples.becourtcouplephrasesthey make a lovely couple (=look very attractive together/suit each other well) You two would make a lovely couple.willTHESAURUSpair two things of the same type that you use together. Also used about two people who do something together or who you often see together: a pair of shoesshoe | a pair of sockssock | Winners will receive a pair of tickets for the show.winnerticket | The pair were arrested six days after the killing.bearrestdaykill | They're a funny pair! | The British pair will be playing in the final on Saturday.playa couple (of something) two things of the same type, or a very small number of things: There were a couple of empty seats at the table.beseat | Do you have any stamps? I just need a couple.stampcouple noun [countable] two people who are married or having a sexual relationship: a married couplemarry | The couple met at university.meettwins noun [plural] two children who were born on the same day to the same mother: The twins look very alike.twin | identical twinstwinduo noun [countable] two people who perform together or who are often seen together: a comedy duoduet noun [countable] a piece of music written for two people to play: They played a duet by Brahms.playtwice two times adverb: The group meets twice a week.meet | She sneezed twice.sneeze
coupleverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescouplecouplescoupledcouplingcouplecouple2 AC verbWord familyVerb form1[transitive]JOIN STH TOGETHER to join or fasten two things togethercouple something to somethingEach element is mathematically coupled to its neighbours.becoupleneighbour2[intransitive] formalSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to have sexcouple something with something phrasal verb [usually passive] WITHif one thing is coupled with another, the two things happen or exist together and produce a particular result SYN combine: Lack of rain coupled with high temperatures caused the crops to fail.coupletemperaturecausecrop
noun1[countable usually plural] a drop of salty liquid that comes out of your eye when you are crying: The children were all in tears.childbetearShe came home in floods of tears.comefloodtearI could see that Sam was close to tears.canbetearBridget suddenly burst into tears and ran out.tearrunHe was fighting back tears as he spoke.befighttearspeakA lot of people were moved to tears by his story.bemovetearHe kissed her cheek, a gesture that brought tears to her eyes.kissbringteareyeI must admit I shed a few tears when the school closed.tearcloseI saw grown men reduced to tears that day.seegrowmanreducetear‘Please don’t talk like that,’ Ellen implored him, her eyes filling with tears.imploreeyefilltearBy this time, tears were streaming down my face.tearbestreamThe tears he shed were tears of joy.tearbetear2it’ll (all) end in tears British English spokenWARN used to warn someone that something they are doing will cause problems or arguments between people → bore somebody to tears at bore2(1), → crocodile tears at crocodile(4)COLLOCATIONSphrasesbe in tears (=be crying) When Evelyn put the phone down, she was in tears.betearbe in floods of tears British English (=be crying a lot) By the time she left, she was in floods of tears.leavebefloodtearbe close to/on the verge of tears (=be almost crying) He could see that May was close to tears.canbetearthere are tears in sb’s eyes As she watched, there were tears of joy in her eyes.watchbeteareyetears of joy/frustration/rage etc The tears he shed were tears of joy.tearbetearverbsburst into tears (=suddenly start crying) She burst into tears and begged me to stay.tearbegbreak down in tears (=suddenly start crying) I broke down in tears when I read the letter.breaktearbe moved to tears (=be so upset that you cry) Members of the audience were moved to tears by her singing.memberbemovetearsingbring tears to sb’s eyes (=make somebody cry) This unexpected kindness brings tears to my eyes.bringteareyereduce somebody to tears (=make somebody cry) His insults had reduced her to tears, but she had not changed her mind.insulthavereducetearhavechangehold back the tears (=not cry even though you feel like crying) She gave her version of events, often struggling to hold back the tears.giveeventstruggletearfight/choke/blink back tears (=try not to cry) She fought back tears yesterday as she re-lived the horrors she had seen.fighttearlivehorrorhaveseeshed/weep tears (=cry) Don’t shed any tears for him.tearsb’s eyes fill with tears His eyes filled with tears as he recalled his mother’s sacrifices.eyefilltearrecallsacrificetears well up in sb’s eyes (=tears come into their eyes) She broke off, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes.breakfeeltearwelleyetears run/roll/stream down sb’s face Oliver laughed until tears ran down his face.laughtearrunadjectivesbitter tears She wept bitter tears of remorse for leaving her children behind.weeptearleavechildhot tears I felt the hot tears running down my face.feeltearrun
tearverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesteartearstoretorntearingteartear2 S2 W3 /teə $ ter/ verb (past tense tore /tɔː $ tɔːr/, past participle torn /tɔːn $ tɔːrn/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: teran Verb form1paper/cloth a)[transitive]TEAR to damage something such as paper or cloth by pulling it hard or letting it touch something sharp SYN rip:
Be careful not to tear the paper.His clothes were old and torn.clothebeteartear something on somethingShe realized she had torn her jacket on a nail.realizehaveteartear something offTear off the slip at the bottom of this page and send it back to us.tear something out (of something)He tore a page out of his notebook and handed it to her.tearhandThe dog had torn a huge hole in the tent.havetearHe picked up the envelope and tore it open.picktearShe tore the letter to pieces and threw it in the bin.tearpiecethrowMost of her clothes had been torn to shreds.clothehavebetearshred b)[intransitive]TEAR if paper or cloth tears, it splits and a hole appears, because it has been pulled too hard or has touched something sharp: The paper is old and tears easily.betear2move quickly [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]RUN to run or drive somewhere very quickly, especially in a dangerous or careless way: She tore back into the house.tearWe tore down to the hospital.tearHe tore off into town.tear3remove something [transitive always + adverb/preposition]PULL to pull something violently from a person or placetear something from somebody/somethingHe tore the letter from my hand.tearA bridge was torn from the bank by the floodwaters.betearfloodwatertear something off somethingHigh winds nearly tore the roof off the house.windtear4be torn a)if you are torn, you are unable to decide what to do because you have different feelings or different things that you wantbe torn betweenShe was torn between her love of dancing and her fear of performing in public.beteardanceperformHe was torn two ways.betearwayJess was torn by anger and worry.betear b)EFFECT/INFLUENCEif a country or group is torn, it is divided because people in it have very different ideas and are arguing or fighting with each other: The country was torn by civil war.betearShe spent two months in the war-torn city.spendmonthtear5muscle [transitive]DAMAGE to damage a muscle or ligament: She had torn a muscle in her leg.havetear6tear looseESCAPE to move violently and no longer be attached to something: One end had torn loose.havetear7tear somebody/something to shreds/piecesCRITICIZE informal to criticize someone or something very severely: He tore her arguments to shreds.tearargumentshred8tear somebody off a strip/tear a strip off somebody British English informalCRITICIZE to talk to someone very angrily because they have done something wrong9tear somebody limb from limb literaryATTACK to attack someone in a very violent way10be tearing your hair out British English informalWORRIED to feel anxious and upset because you are worried, or because you have to deal with something that is very difficult: I’ve been tearing my hair out trying to get done in time.beteartrydo11be in a tearing hurry British EnglishHURRY to be doing something very quickly because you are late12tear sb’s heart (out)/tear at sb’s heartUPSET to make someone feel extremely upset: The thought of her out there alone tore at my heart.thinktear13that’s torn it! British English spoken old-fashionedMISTAKE used when something bad has happened that stops you from doing what you intended to do: Oh, no, that’s torn it! I’ve left my keys in the car!tearleavekeyCOLLOCATIONSphrasestear a hole in something She caught her shawl on a nail and tore a hole in it.catchteartear something open She tore open the envelope.teartear something to pieces/shreds The dogs tore the meat to pieces.dogtearpiecetear something in two (also tear something in half) Jack snatched the letter from him and tore it in two.snatchtearTHESAURUStear to damage paper or cloth by pulling it too hard, or letting it touch something sharp: She unwrapped the present carefully, trying not to tear the paper.unwraptry | I tore a hole in my jacket, climbing over the fence.tearclimbrip to tear something quickly or violently: Beth excitedly ripped open the package.rip | Stop pulling my dress! You’ll rip it!pullsplit to tear your trousers or shirt when you put them on, because they are too tight for you: He bent down and split his trousers.bendtrouser | Oh no, now I’ve split my shirt.ladder British English if a woman ladders her tights or stockings, she tears them so that a long thin line appears in them: Damn! I’ve laddered my tights!laddersnag to catch a piece of clothing on something rough or sharp so that it tears slightly: I snagged my shirt on a nail.snagshred to deliberately destroy letters, documents etc by cutting them into thin pieces, often by using a special machine: In order to prevent fraud, it’s best to shred your bank statements.wellstatement | I went through all my papers shredding things I didn’t need.gopapershredthingfrayed torn a little along the edges – used about clothes, carpets etc that have been used a lot: He was wearing an old pair of frayed jeans.bewearfray | The rug was a little frayed around the edges.befrayedge | The jacket was a little frayed at the cuffs.befraycufftear somebody/something apart phrasal verb1tear something ↔ apartHARM/BE BAD FOR to cause serious arguments in a group of people SYN rip apart: Scandal is tearing the government apart.beteara row that tore the family aparttear2literary to separate people who are in a close relationship with each other: Nothing can tear us apart!3SAD/UNHAPPYto make someone feel extremely unhappy or upset: Seeing her so upset really tore him apart.seetear4tear something ↔ apartPULL to break something violently into a lot of small pieces SYN rip apart: Her body had been torn apart by wolves.havebetearwolftear at somebody/something phrasal verb TEARto pull violently at someone or something: The children were screaming and tearing at each other’s hair.childbescreamteartear somebody away phrasal verb LEAVE A PLACEto make yourself or someone else leave a place when you or they do not want to leave: He was enjoying the fun and couldn’t tear himself away.beenjoytear somebody away fromWe finally managed to tear him away from the TV.managetear something ↔ down phrasal verb DESTROYto destroy a building deliberately: A lot of the old tower blocks have been torn down to make way for new housing.blockbetearhousetear into somebody/something phrasal verb1ATTACKto attack someone by hitting them very hard: The two boys tore into each other.boytear2CRITICIZEto criticize someone very strongly and angrily: From time to time she would really tear into her staff.will3to start doing something quickly, with a lot of energy: I was amazed at the way she tore into her work.beamazeteartear something ↔ off phrasal verb TAKE OFF CLOTHESto remove your clothes as quickly as you can: He tore off his clothes and dived into the water.tearclothedivetear something ↔ up phrasal verb1TEARto tear a piece of paper or cloth into small pieces SYN rip up: She tore up his letter and threw it away.tearthrow2DESTROYto remove something from the ground by pulling or pushing it violently: the remains of trees that had been torn up by the stormremaintreehavebetear3REJECT/NOT ACCEPTtear up an agreement/a contract etc to say that you no longer accept an agreement or contract: threats to tear up the peace agreementthreat
tearnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesteartearsteartear3 /teə $ ter/ noun [countable] TEARa hole in a piece of cloth or paper where it has been torntear inThere was a huge tear in his shirt.be → wear and tear at wear2(2)
British English, graygrayergrayestgray American English /ɡreɪ/ adjective
1colour having the colour of dark clouds, neither black nor white: an old lady with grey haira grey skydark/light greydark grey trouserstrouser → battleship grey, iron-grey, → slate grey at slate1(3)2hair having grey hairgo/turn greyShe was a tall thin woman who had gone grey early.behavego3faceFRIGHTENEDTIRED looking pale because you are tired, frightened, or illgrey withAs he listened, his face went grey with shock.listengo4boringBORING boring and unattractive OPP colourful: the grey anonymous men in government officesmanofficevisions of a grey and empty worldvision5weather if the weather is grey, the sky is full of clouds and the sun is not bright OPP bright: a grey day6of old people [only before noun] British English connected with old people: the grey vote7grey areaCLEAR/EASY TO UNDERSTAND used to talk about a situation in which something is not clearly a particular thing, so that people are not sure how to deal with it: people in the grey area between loyalty and opposition to the government—greynessgreyness noun [uncountable]
greynounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesgreygreysgreygrey2 British English, graygraysgray American English noun [uncountable and countable] the colour of dark clouds, neither black nor white: Do you have these skirts in grey?skirtdull greys and brownsgreybrown
greyverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesgreygreysgreyedgreyinggreygrey3 British English, graygraysgrayedgrayinggray American English verbVerb form [intransitive] if someone greys, their hair becomes grey: Jim was greying a little at the temples.begreytemplea full head of greying hairgrey
adjective
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: formalis, from forma; → FORM1 1official [usually before noun] made or done officially or publicly OPP informal:
formal recognition of the reformed churchreforma formal agreement between the countriescountryThere is no formal structure for negotiating pay increases.benegotiateincreasemake/lodge a formal complaintMr Kelly has lodged a formal complaint against the police.havelodge2POLITEbehaviour formal behaviour is very polite, and is used in official or important situations, or with people you do not know well OPP informal: Over the years, teaching methods have changed and become less formal.yearteachmethodchangelittle3language formal language is used in official or serious situations OPP informal: ‘Yours sincerely’ is a formal way of ending a letter.beend4POLITEevent/occasion a formal event is important, and people who go to it wear special clothes and behave very politely OPP informal: I’ve met her twice but only on formal occasions.meetoccasiona formal dinner5clothes formal dress is clothing such as a tuxedo for men or a long dress for women, that is worn to formal events OPP casual, informal: We insist on formal dress for dinner.6formal education/training/qualifications education etc in a subject or skill, that you receive in a school, college etc rather than practical experience of it: knowledge and wisdom gained from experience rather than from formal educationgain7organized done in a very organized way OPP informal: The course includes formal lectures.includelecture8garden/park a formal garden, park, or room is arranged in a very organized way OPP informal: the palace’s beautifully restored formal gardensrestoregarden → formally
formalnounCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesformalformalsformalformal2 noun [countable] American English1a dance at which you have to wear formal clothes2an expensive and usually long dress that women wear on formal occasionsTHESAURUSdance an organized social event where people to go dance: The dance will be held in the school gym.holdball a large formal occasion where people dance: The University holds a ball at the end of June.holdprom a formal dance party for high school students, especially in the US, usually held at the end of a school year: Who’s your date for the prom?formal American English a dance at which you must wear formal clothes: He rented a tuxedo to wear to his company’s holiday formal.rentdisco a place or social event where people dance to recorded popular music: She met Nick at a school disco.meetclub/nightclub a place where people go at night to dance: We went out for dinner and then to a club.go
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin sententia ‘feeling, opinion, sentence’, from sentire; → SENTIENT 1WORD, PHRASE, OR SENTENCEa group of words that usually contains a subject and a verb, and expresses a complete idea. Sentences written in English begin with a capital letter and usually end with a full stop or a question mark:
His voice dropped at the end of the sentence.dropin a sentenceIt’s difficult to sum it up in one sentence.short/simple/full/complex etc sentenceIn a few short sentences, Quinn explained what he had done.sentenceexplainhavedo2PUNISHa punishment that a judge gives to someone who is guilty of a crime: She received an eight-year prison sentence.receiveHe has just begun a life sentence for murder.havebeginCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsget/receive a sentence (also be given a sentence) She was given a three-year prison sentence.begiveface a sentence (=be likely to receive a sentence) He faces a long prison sentence if he is caught.facebecatchserve a sentence (=spend time in prison) Her husband is serving a two-year sentence for credit-card fraud.beservea crime carries a sentence (=that is the punishment for that crime) Rape should carry an automatic life sentence.shallimpose/hand down a sentence (=officially give someone a sentence) The judge imposed a three-year sentence.imposepass sentence formal (=officially say what someone’s punishment will be) It is now my duty to pass sentence.beADJECTIVES/NOUN + sentencea stiff/long sentence (=a long time in prison) Police officers are demanding stiffer sentences for offenders.officerbedemandstiffsentenceoffendera light/short sentence (=a short time in prison) We’re hoping that he gets off with a light sentence.hopegeta prison/jail sentence (also a custodial sentence British English formal) If found guilty, he faces a long jail sentence.findfacea non-custodial sentence British English formal (=a punishment in which a person does not go to prison) The judge said the offence was too serious for a non-custodial sentence.saybea five-year/eight-year etc sentence (=five/eight etc years in prison) He was serving an eight-year sentence for burglary.beservethe maximum sentence (=the most that can be given for a particular crime) The maximum sentence for this offence is five years.beyeara life sentence (=prison for the rest of your life, or a very long time) In 1978 he was given a life sentence for attacking a 72-year-old woman.begiveattacka death sentence (=a punishment of death) Death sentences were handed down to eight of the accused.sentencebehandaccusea suspended sentence (=one which someone will serve only if they commit another crime) Her attacker got a two-year suspended sentence.getsuspendTHESAURUSpunishment something that is done in order to punish someone, or the act of punishing them: I don’t think they deserved such a severe punishment.deserve | The usual punishment is life in prison.besentence a punishment given by a judge in a court: He was given a long prison sentence.begive | They asked for the maximum sentence.askfine an amount of money that you must pay as a punishment: I got an £80 fine for speeding.getspeed | There are heavy fines for drink-driving.befinedrivepenalty a general word for a punishment given to someone who has broken a law, rule, or agreement: What’s the penalty if you get caught?catch | He called for stiffer penalties for crimes involving guns.callstiffpenaltycrimeinvolvegunthe death penalty (also capital punishment) the system in which people are killed as a punishment for crimes: If he is found guilty, he faces the death penalty.befindface | A number of states have abolished capital punishment.numbstateabolishcommunity service unpaid work helping other people that someone does as punishment for a crime: He was given a choice between doing 200 hours of community service, or a big fine.begivedohourcorporal punishment the punishment of children by hitting them: I don’t agree with corporal punishment. | Corporal punishment was abolished in schools in 1987.beabolishschool
sentenceverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessentencesentencessentencedsentencingsentencesentence2 verb [transitive]Verb form PUNISHif a judge sentences someone who is guilty of a crime, they give them a punishmentsentence somebody to somethingSanchez was sentenced to three years in prison.besentenceyearTHESAURUSpunish to do something unpleasant to someone because they have done something wrong or broken the law: Drug smugglers are severely punished.smugglerbepunish | She wanted to punish him for deceiving her.wantdeceivefine to make someone pay money as a punishment: The company was fined for safety violations.befineviolationsentence if a judge sentences a criminal, he or she gives them an official punishment, usually sending them to prison for a period of time: The judge sentenced Margolis to a year in prison.sentencepenalize (also penalise British English) to officially punish someone, especially by taking away their right to do something or by limiting their freedom in some way: New laws will penalize firms that continue to pollute the environment.lawfirmdiscipline to punish someone who has broken the rules of an organization that they belong to or work for: Officers are expected to discipline soldiers who do not keep their uniforms in good condition.officerbeexpectsoldieruniformcome down hard on somebody informal to punish someone or criticize them severely: The judge came down hard on Harris, saying that his crime was ‘inexcusable’.comesaybemake an example of somebody to punish someone so that other people are afraid to do the same thing: Athletics officials felt they had to make an example of him for using banned drugs.officialfeelhaveusebandrugteach somebody a lesson informal to do something in order to show someone that they must not do something again, when they have behaved very badly: I didn't want to hurt him - I just wanted teach him a lesson.want | Maybe a night in jail will teach him a lesson.make somebody pay (for something) informal to make someone wish they had never done something, by making them suffer: We should make him pay for all the mischief he's caused!shallcause
adverb
1moving quicklyFAST/QUICK moving quickly: Slow down – you’re driving too fast.drivea fast-moving rivermoveJohnny ran off as fast as his legs could carry him (=running as quickly as he could).runlegcan2SHORT TIMEin a short time happening in a short time: Kids grow up fast these days.kiddayThe survivors needed help fast.survivorneedHow fast can you get the job done?dofast becoming/disappearing/approaching etcAccess to the Internet is fast becoming a necessity.bebecomeIt all happened so fast I didn’t even notice I was bleeding.happenbebleed3fast asleepSLEEP sleeping very deeply: Nick was lying on the sofa, fast asleep.belie4be stuck/held fastMOVE STH OR SB to become or be firmly fixed and unable to move: The boat was stuck fast in the mud.bestickShe tried to pull her hand free, but it was held fast.trybehold5be getting/be going nowhere fast informalSUCCEED IN DOING STH to not succeed in making progress or achieving something: I kept asking her the same question, but I was getting nowhere fast.keepaskbeget6not so fast spokenNOW used to tell someone not to be too eager to do or believe something: Not so fast. We’ve got to prove it first, haven’t we?get7make something fast to tie something such as a boat or tent firmly to something else8fast by something literaryNEAR very close to something: fast by the river → play fast and loose with somebody at play1(30), → stand fast at stand1(25), → thick and fast at thick2(2)THESAURUSquickly at a high speed or without taking much time: The stream was flowing quite quickly.beflow | They quickly became friends.becomefriendfast at a high speed – used especially when talking about how something moves: You're driving too fast!drive | He ran home as fast as he could.runcanquick spoken quickly – used in exclamations or in comparatives: Quick! There’s a mouse!swiftly written quickly: The government acted swiftly.act | She was surprised that he agreed so swiftly.besurpriseagreerapidly quickly – used especially about changes, increases, improvements etc: The population is growing rapidly.begrow | a rapidly changing worldchangespeedily quickly and therefore efficiently: All problems were speedily dealt with.problembedealbriskly quickly and energetically: He walked briskly back along the path.walkat high/great speed at a very fast speed – used especially in technical descriptions: The molecules are travelling at great speed.moleculebetravelat a rapid rate especially written quickly – used about changes, increases, improvements etc: Internet shopping is growing at a rapid rate.shopbegrowas quick as a flash/in a flash extremely quickly: As quick as a flash, I was back in my bed and under the covers.becoverlike lightning moving extremely quickly: Like lightning, the cat darted under the bushes.dartbushflat out especially British English at the fastest speed possible: The car was going flat out.bego | He was running flat out.berun
fastadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfastfasterfastestfastfast2 S2 W2 adjective
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: fæst ‘firm’ 1FAST/QUICKmoving quickly moving or able to move quickly:
a fast carHe’s one of the fastest runners in the world.fastrunner2in a short timeSHORT TIME doing something or happening in a short time: The subway is the fastest way to get downtown.befastThe company must give a faster response to clients’ requests.fastclientrequestThe rain forests are being chopped down at an alarmingly fast rate.forestbebechopI’m a fast learner.3clock [not before noun]TIME/RIGHT OR WRONG TIME a clock that is fast shows a later time than the real time: That can’t be the time – my watch must be fast.five minutes/an hour etc fastI always keep my watch 15 minutes fast.minute4fast track a way of achieving something more quickly than is normally doneon the fast tracka young actress on the fast track to fame and success5fast road a road on which vehicles can travel very quickly6fast film/lens a film or lens(2) that can be used when there is little light, or when photographing something that is moving very quickly7colour a colour that is fast will not change when clothes are washed → colourfast8sportsFAST/QUICK a fast surface is one on which a ball moves very quickly9fast and furiousFAST/QUICK done very quickly with a lot of effort and energy, or happening very quickly with a lot of sudden changes: Arsenal’s opening attack was fast and furious.openbe10somebody is a fast worker informalSUCCESSFUL used to say that someone can get what they want very quickly, especially in starting a sexual relationship with another person11fast talkerDISHONEST someone who talks quickly and easily but is often not honest or sincere12woman old-fashioned becoming involved quickly in sexual relationships with men: fast cars and fast womencarwoman13fast friends literaryFRIENDLY two people who are very friendly for a long time → fast food, fast-forward, fast lane, → make a fast buck at buck1(1), → pull a fast one at pull1(10)THESAURUSfast moving or able to move quickly: The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world.befast | a fast carquick moving fast or doing something in a short time: He was much quicker than I was over the first 100 metres.bequickbemetre | Do I have time for a quick shower?high-speed [only before noun] designed to travel or operate very quickly: a high-speed train | high-speed Internet accessrapid especially written happening in a short period of time – used about changes, increases, improvements etc: a rapid increase in the population | the rapid expansion of the firm’s business in the Middle East | a rapid decline in profitsprofitswift written moving quickly or happening after only a short time: The horses ran along the track at a swift trot.horserun | He received a swift response to his letter.receivebrisk quick and energetic: a brisk walk in the countryside | His manner was very brisk.bespeedy [only before noun] happening after only a short time: Everyone wishes you a speedy recovery.wish | a speedy resolution to the problemhurried done more quickly that usual, because you do not have much time: She ate a hurried breakfast in the cafe before catching her train.eathurrycatch | We made a hurried departure.makehurryhasty deciding or doing something very quickly, especially when this has bad results: It was a hasty decision, which he later regretted.belateregret | Let’s not be too hasty.
fastverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesfastfastsfastedfastingfastfast3 verb [intransitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: fæstan Verb form EATto eat little or no food for a period of time, especially for religious reasons:
Muslims fast during Ramadan.THESAURUSto eat less food or stop eatingbe on a diet to be eating less or different food than normal in order to become thinner: No cake thanks – I’m on a diet.thankfast to not eat for a period of time, often for religious reasons: Muslim people fast during the month of Ramadan.
fastnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfastfastsfastfast4 noun [countable] EATa period during which someone does not eat, especially for religious reasons: Gandhi drank some orange juice to break (=end) his three-week fast.drink
verb (past tense blew /bluː/, past participle blown /bləʊn $ bloʊn/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: blawan Verb form1wind moving [intransitive and transitive]WIND MOVING if the wind or a current of air blows, it moves:
A cold breeze was blowing hard.beblowIt was blowing from an easterly direction.beblowOutside, the weather was blowing a gale.beblow2wind moving somethingWIND MOVING STH [intransitive, transitive usually + adverb/preposition] to move, or to move something, by the force of the wind or a current of air: Her hair was blowing in the breeze.beblowThe wind blew the rain into our faces.blowfaceMy ticket blew away.blowblow (something) open/shutA sudden draught blew the door shut.blow3air from your mouth [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]AIR to send air out from your mouthblow (something) into/onto/out etcShe blew onto her coffee to cool it down.blowHe blew the smoke right in my face.blow4make a noise [intransitive and transitive] to make a sound by passing air through a whistle, horn etc: The whistle blew for half time.blowA truck went by and blew its horn at her.goblow5violence [transitive always + adverb/preposition]DAMAGE to damage or destroy something violently with an explosion or by shootingblow something away/out/off somethingPart of his leg had been blown off.havebeblowblow somebody/something to pieces/bits/smithereensA bomb like that could blow you to bits.canbit6lose an opportunity [transitive] informalMISTAKE to lose a good opportunity by making a mistake or by being careless: We’ve blown our chances of getting that contract.blowchancegetYou’ve got a great future ahead of you. Don’t blow it.get7waste money [transitive] informalSPEND MONEY to spend a lot of money in a careless way, especially on one thing: I blew all the money I won on a trip to Hawaii.blowwin8blow your nose to clean your nose by forcing air through it into a cloth or a piece of soft paper9blow somebody a kissKISS to kiss your hand and then pretend to blow the kiss towards someone: She leant out of the window and blew him a kiss.leanblow10electricity stops [intransitive and transitive] if an electrical fuse blows, or a piece of electrical equipment blows a fuse, the electricity suddenly stops working because a thin wire has melted: The floodlights blew a fuse.floodlightblow11tyre [intransitive and transitive] if a tyre blows, or if a car blows a tyre, it bursts12make a shape [transitive]BREATHE to make or shape something by sending air out from your mouth: The kids were blowing bubbles in the backyard.kidbeblowbubbleblow glass (=shape glass by blowing into it when it is very hot and soft)13surprise/annoyance blow/blow me/blow it etcSURPRISED British English spoken said to show annoyance or surprise: Blow it! I forgot to phone Jane.forgetBlow me down if she didn’t just run off!Well, I’m blowed!14MAKE A SECRET KNOWNtell a secret [transitive] to make known something that was meant to be a secret: Your coming here has blown the whole operation.comehaveblowblow sb’s cover (=make known what someone’s real job or name is)It would only take one phone call to blow his cover.will15blow sb’s mind spokenSURPRISED to make you feel very surprised and excited by something: Seeing her again really blew my mind.seeblow → mind-blowing16blow your top/stack/cool (also blow a fuse/gasket) informalANGRY to become extremely angry quickly or suddenly: One day, I just blew my top and hit him.blow17blow the whistle on somebody informalTELL to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone is doing: He blew the whistle on his colleagues.blowcolleague → whistle-blower18blow something (up) out of (all) proportionEXAGGERATE to make something seem much more serious or important than it is19blow your own trumpet especially BrE,blow your own horn American English informalBOAST to talk a lot about your own achievements – used to show disapproval: Dave spent the whole evening blowing his own trumpet.spendevenblow20blow somebody/something out of the water to defeat someone or something that you are competing with, or to achieve much more than they do: Motown had blown all the other record companies out of the water.haveblowcompany21blow hot and cold British English informalCHANGE YOUR MIND to keep changing your attitude towards someone or something22blow something sky-high British English to destroy an idea, plan etc by showing that it cannot be true or effective: This new information blows his theory sky-high.blowblow sb↔ away phrasal verb especially American English informal1SURPRISEDto make someone feel very surprised, especially about something they like or admire: It just blows me away, the way everyone’s so friendly round here.blow2KILLto kill someone by shooting them with a gun3BEAT/DEFEATto defeat someone completely, especially in a game: Nancy blew away the rest of the skaters.blowskaterblow down phrasal verb FALLif the wind blows something down, or if something blows down, the wind makes it fall: The garden gate has blown down.haveblowblow something ↔ downSeveral trees were blown down in the night.treebeblowblow in phrasal verb1(also blow into something)ARRIVE informal to arrive in a place, especially suddenly: Jim blew in about an hour ago.blowGuess who’s just blown into town?blow2if a storm or bad weather blows in, it arrives and begins to affect a particular area: The first snowstorm blew in from the north.blowblow somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb American English informal1UNIMPORTANTto treat someone or something as unimportant, for example by not meeting someone or not going to an event: Bud got into trouble for blowing off the meeting.getblowmeet2blow the lid off something to make known something that was secret, especially something involving important or famous people: Her book blew the lid off the Reagan years.blowyear3blow sb’s head off to kill someone by shooting them in the head4blow off steam American English to get rid of anger or energy by doing something SYN let off steam British English: I went jogging to blow off some steam.gojogblow out phrasal verb1STOP STH THAT IS HAPPENINGif you blow a flame or a fire out, or if it blows out, it stops burning: The match blew out in the wind.blowblow something ↔ outBlow out all the candles.candle2if a tyre blows out, it bursts3blow itself outFINISH/COME TO AN END if a storm blows itself out, it ends4blow your/sb’s brains out to kill yourself, or someone else, with a shot to the head5BEAT/DEFEATblow somebody ↔ out American English spoken to easily defeat someone: We blew them out 28–0.blow6American English if you blow out your knee or another joint in your body, or if it blows out, you injure it badly7if an oil or gas well blows out, oil or gas suddenly escapes from it8blow somebody ↔ out to stop having a friendship or relationship with someoneblow over phrasal verb1FALLif the wind blows something over, or if something blows over, the wind makes it fall: Our fence blew over in the storm.blowblow something ↔ overThe hurricane blew some palm trees over.blowtree2FORGETif an argument or unpleasant situation blows over, it ends or is forgotten: They weren’t speaking to each other, but I think it’s blown over now.speakblow3FINISH/COME TO AN ENDif a storm blows over, it goes awayblow up phrasal verb1DESTROYEXPLODEto destroy something, or to be destroyed, by an explosion: The plane blew up in midair.blowblow something ↔ upRebels attempted to blow up the bridge.rebelattempt2AIRblow something ↔ up to fill something with air or gas: Can you blow up this balloon?We’ll blow the tyres up.tyre3IMPORTANTDANGEROUSif a situation, argument etc blows up, it suddenly becomes important or dangerous: A crisis had blown up over the peace talks.haveblowtalk4blow something ↔ up if you blow up a photograph, you make it larger SYN enlarge5ANGRY informal to become very angry with someone: Jenny’s father blew up when she didn’t come home last night.blowblow up atI was surprised at the way he blew up at Hardy.besurpriseblow6WEATHERif bad weather blows up, it suddenly arrives: It looks as if there’s a storm blowing up.lookblow7blow up in sb’s face if something you have done or planned to do blows up in your face, it suddenly goes wrong: One of his deals had just blown up in his face.dealhaveblowTHESAURUSspend to use money to buy things: I bought two skirts and a T-shirt and I only spent $50.buyskirtspend | How much do you spend a week on food?go through something (also get through something British English) to spend all of an amount of money over a period of time – used especially when saying that someone spends a lot of money: I got through all my money in less than a month, and had to get my parents to send me more.getlittlehaveparentgo to great expense to spend a lot of money in order to do something, because you think it is important or special: The party was wonderful – they had obviously gone to great expense.behavego | There’s no need to go to great expense.squander /ˈskwɒndə $ ˈskwɑːndər/ to waste money on unnecessary things, instead of saving it or using it carefully: His son had squandered the family fortune on gambling and women.havesquandergamblewomansplash out British English informal to spend a lot of money on something you really want or will enjoy: Let’s splash out on a bottle of champagne. | People often splash out for Christmas and then regret it later.lateblow informal to spend a lot of money on something, especially on something that you do not really need: Her husband blew all their savings on a new sports car.blowsavingsporteconomize to spend less money: We’re trying to economize by eating at home instead of going out for meals.tryeatgomeal
blownounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesblowblowsblowblow2 S3 W3 noun [countable]
Sense 1-2, 4-6:Date: 1400-1500
Origin: Origin unknown. Sense 3:
Date: 1600-1700
Origin: → BLOW1 1BAD EFFECT an action or event that causes difficulty or sadness for someone:
Joe resigned, which was a severe blow because we needed him desperately.resignbeneedHis mother’s death was a shattering blow.beshatterThe election result dealt a further blow to the party.dealfarThe factory closures came as a blow to the local economy.closurecomeThe final blow for many firms was the government’s abolition of import duties.firmbeduty2hard hitHIT a hard hit with someone’s hand, a tool, or a weapon: She died from a heavy blow to the head.dieHe struck a blow which threw her to the floor.strikethrowMartin received a blow on the nose.receiveHe had been struck a glancing blow (=a blow that did not hit him directly) by the car.havebestrikeglanceblow toHe gave her a violent blow to the head.giveRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone gets hit or that something hits them, rather than using the noun blow: He received a blow to the head. ➔ He got hit on the head.3blowingBREATHE an action of blowing: One big blow and the candles were out.candlebe4come to blows (with somebody)FIGHT if two people come to blows, they start arguing or hitting each other because they disagree about somethingcome to blows (with somebody) overThey almost came to blows over the money.comeblow5soften/cushion the blowACCEPT to make something unpleasant easier for someone to accept: A reduction in interest rates would soften the blow of tax increases.ratewillincrease6low blow American English informal something unkind you say to deliberately embarrass or upset someone → strike a blow for somebody/something at strike1(13)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + blow a big/major/serious/heavy blow The earthquake was a serious blow to the area’s tourism industry.bea severe/terrible/awful blow The news was a terrible blow for his family.bea bitter blow (=extremely disappointing) Their defeat was a bitter blow.bea cruel/devastating/crushing blow (=extremely hard to bear) Her loss came as a devastating blow to her father.comedevastatea body blow (=a very serious difficulty which could cause something to fail completely) A tax on books would be a body blow for education.bookwilla mortal/fatal/death blow (=causing something to end) When he quit it dealt a mortal blow to the show.dealverbsbe a blow I can’t deny his leaving was a blow.leavebedeal a blow to somebody/something The 1982 drought dealt a devastating blow to the country.dealdevastatecome as a blow to somebody His sudden death came as a huge blow to us all.comedeliver a blow Opinion polls delivered a nasty blow to the Tory leader.polldeliversuffer/receive a blow Our team suffered a blow when Paul was sent off the field.sufferbesendsoften/cushion the blow (=make it easier to deal with) There are various ways to soften the blow of redundancy among staff.bewayphrasesbe a bit of a blow British English especially spoken (=be disappointing or cause problems for you) The result was a bit of a blow for the team.bebite
adjective (comparative softer, superlative softest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: softe 1not hard a)SOFTnot hard, firm, or stiff, but easy to press OPP hard:
My feet sank into the soft ground.footsinkgrindthe softest sofa and pillowssoftpillowCook the onions until they go soft.onion b)SOFTless hard than average OPP hard: a soft lead pencilsoft cheese2not roughSOFT having a surface that is smooth and pleasant to touch OPP rough: a baby’s soft skinThe fur was soft to the touch.be3not loudQUIET a soft sound or voice, or soft music, is quiet and pleasant to listen to OPP loud, harsh: soft musicHis voice was softer now.besoft4colour/light [only before noun]BRIGHT soft colours or lights are pleasant and relaxing because they are not too bright OPP bright: All the stores will be re-fitted with softer lighting.storefitsoftlighta soft shade of peach5no hard edges not having any hard edges or sharp angles: soft curvescurve6rain/windVIOLENT gentle and without much force: a soft breezesoft rain7not strictSTRICT someone who is soft seems weak because they are not strict enough with other people OPP strict, tough: If you appear to be soft, people take advantage of you.soft onNo politician wants to seem soft on crime.wantCourts have been taking a soft line (=not being strict enough) with young offenders.courtbetakeoffender8sensitive kind, gentle, and sympathetic to other people OPP hard: He has a soft heart beneath that cold exterior.havea soft kiss9weak character not very brave and not having a strong character OPP hard: Don’t be soft – just jump!10sales/markets decreasing in price, value, or the amount sold: soft oil pricesprice11soft loan/credit money that is lent at a lower interest rate than usual, because it will be used to help people in some way12soft money money that people, companies, or organizations give to political parties, rather than to a particular candidate13too easy informalEASY a soft job, life etc is too easy and does not involve much work or hard physical work: Mike’s found himself a soft job in the stores.findstoresoft option British English (=a choice that allows you to avoid difficulties or hard work)Taking the soft option won’t help your career to develop.takewin14weak body informalWEAK having a body that is not in a strong physical condition, because you do not do enough exercise: He’d got soft after all those years in a desk job.getyear15waterWATER soft water does not contain many minerals, so that it forms bubbles from soap easily16have a soft spot for somebodyLIKE SB OR STH to continue to like someone even when they do not behave well: She’s always had a soft spot for Grant.have17a soft touch informalPERSUADE someone from whom you can easily get what you want, because they are kind or easy to deceive18soft in the head old-fashioned very stupid or crazy19stupid British EnglishSTUPID/NOT INTELLIGENT stupid or silly: You must be soft if you think I’ll give you fifty quid!20be soft on somebody old-fashionedSEXY to be sexually attracted to someone21consonants technical not sounding hard: a soft g—softlysoftly adverb: She stroked his head softly.strokeMusic played softly in the background.play—softnesssoftnessessoftness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSsoft not hard, firm, or stiff, but easy to press: a soft mattress | Her skin was lovely and soft.be | soft groundgrindtender used about meat or vegetables that are soft and easy to cut, especially because they have been well cooked: The beef was very tender.be | Cook the carrots until tender.carrotsoggy very wet and too soft, in a way that seems unpleasant – used about bread, vegetables, and the ground: soggy cabbage | a piece of soggy bread | The ground was too soggy to walk on.grindbesquishy soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about soft wet ground which makes a noise when you walk on it: squishy tomatoestomato | The leaves were squishy under our feet.leavebefootsquashy British English soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about chairs that are soft and comfortable: The peaches have gone all squashy.peachgo | a big squashy sofamushy used about fruit or vegetables that are very soft, wet, and unpleasant, because they are not fresh or have been cooked for too long: mushy pieces of bananapiece | a few mushy carrotscarrotspongy soft and full of holes that contain air or liquid like a sponge: a spongy foam | a spongy loaf | His boots sank into the spongy soil.bootsinkspringy used about something that is soft and comes back to its normal shape after being pressed or walked on: springy turf (=grass) | Her hair felt lovely and springy.feelpliable /ˈplaɪəbəl/ used about a material or substance that can be bent or pressed without breaking or cracking: The clay was still pliable and not too dry.beyielding literary used about a surface which is soft and will bend when you press it: yielding fleshyieldCOLLOCATIONS CHECKtender meat/vegetablessoggy ground/bread/vegetables/papersquishy fruit/groundsquashy fruit/chairmushy fruit/vegetablesspongy ground/texture/foam/loafspringy hair/turf/carpetpliable material/clay
verb (past tense and past participle identified, present participle identifying, third person singular identifies) [transitive]Word familyDate: 1600-1700Language: Late Latin
Origin: identificare, from Latin idem; → IDENTITY Verb form1RECOGNIZEto recognize and correctly name someone or something:
He was too far away to be able to identify faces.befaceThe police took fingerprints and identified the body.takefingerprintidentifyidentify somebody/something as somebody/somethingEyewitnesses identified the gunman as an army sergeant.eyewitnessidentifyThe aircraft were identified as American.beidentify2FIND OUTto recognize something or discover exactly what it is, what its nature or origin is etc: Scientists have identified the gene that causes abnormal growth.scientistidentifycauseThey identified a number of problem areas.identifynumbarea3SHOW/BE A SIGN OFif a particular thing identifies someone or something, it makes them easy to recognizeidentify somebody as somebodyHis accent identified him as a Frenchman.identifyidentify with phrasal verb1identify with somebody/something to feel sympathy with someone or be able to share their feelings: Humans can easily identify with the emotional expressions of chimpanzees.humanexpressionchimpanzeeHe identified with our distress.identify2identify somebody with something to think that someone is very closely related to or involved with something such as a political group: She has always been identified with the radical left.havebeidentifyleave3identify something with somebody/something to think that something is the same as, or closely related to, something else: the attempt to identify crime with poverty and social problemsproblemTHESAURUSrecognize to know who someone is or what something is, especially because you have seen or heard them before: I hadn’t seen her for ten years, but I recognized her immediately.seeyearrecognize | Do you recognize this song?identify to recognize someone or something and say who or what they are: As they came closer, I was able to identify two of the group.comeclosebe | It’s delicious but I can’t quite identify the taste.distinguish to recognize and understand the difference between two or more things or people: By this age, kids can usually distinguish between right and wrong.kid | It’s often difficult to distinguish identical twins from each other.twinmake something/somebody out to be able to see or hear something or someone – used when it is very difficult to do this: In the distance, I could just make out the outline of an island.can | He whispered something but I couldn’t make out what it was.whisperbediscern /dɪˈsɜːn $ -ɜːrn/ formal to notice or understand something by looking carefully or thinking about it carefully: I thought I discerned a faint gleam of hope in his eyes.thinkdiscerneye | A number of differences can be discerned in the data for the three countries.numbdifferencediscerndatumcountry
adverb
Word family1in a straight lineSTRAIGHT in a line or direction that is not curved or bentstraight ahead/at/down/in front of etcThe book is on the table straight in front of you.beShe was looking straight at me.belookTerry was so tired he couldn’t walk straight.betireHe was sitting with his legs stretched straight out in front of him.besitlegstretch2position in a level or correct position: He stopped in front of the mirror to put his tie straight.stopSit up straight, don’t slouch.3immediatelyIMMEDIATELY immediately, without delay, or without doing anything else firststraight to/up/down/back etcI went straight up to bed.goGo straight home and tell your mother.straight afterI’ve got a meeting straight after lunch.getmeetI think I should get straight to the point.shall4one after the otherSERIES happening one after the other in a series: He’s been without sleep now for three days straight.beday5honestHONEST (also straight out) if you say or ask something straight, you say it in an honest direct way, without trying to hide your meaning: I just told him straight that I wouldn’t do it.tellShe came straight out with it and said she was leaving.comesaybeleaveI hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest).playI told him straight to his face (=speaking directly to him) what I thought of him.tellthink6CLEAR/EASY TO UNDERSTANDthink/see straight if you cannot think or see straight, you cannot think or see clearly: Turn the radio down – I can’t think straight.7straight away (also straight off) British English spokenIMMEDIATELY immediately or without delay: I phoned my mum straight away.phone8go straight informalHONEST to stop being a criminal and live an honest life: Tony’s been trying to go straight for about six months.betrymonth9straight up spoken a)SERIOUS/NOT JOKINGused to ask someone if they are telling the truth: Straight up? Did you really pay that much for it?do b)TRUEused to emphasize that what you are saying is true: No, straight up, I’ve never seen him before.see10straight from the shoulder British English informal if someone speaks straight from the shoulder, they say things in a very direct way, without trying to be polite
straightadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstraightstraighterstraighteststraightstraight2 S2 W3 adjective (comparative straighter, superlative straightest)
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Origin: From an old past participle of stretch 1not bending or curvingSTRAIGHT something that is straight does not bend or curve:
a long, straight roadTry to keep your legs straight.legAlways lift with a straight back.her long, straight black hairThey sat down in a straight line.sitThe road was dead straight (=completely straight).be2level/uprightVERTICAL level or upright, and not leaning to one side: Is my tie straight?bestraight white teethtooth3truthfulHONEST honest and truthful: I’d like a straight answer please.Just give me a straight yes or no.I think it’s time for some straight talk now.be straight with somebodyI wish you’d just be straight with me.4one after another [only before noun]SERIES happening immediately one after another in a series: The team now has an amazing record of 43 straight wins.haveamazewin5tidy [not before noun]TIDY a room that is straight is clean and tidy and everything is in its proper place: It took me two hours to get the house straight.takehour6get something straight spokenUNDERSTAND to understand the facts of a situation and be able to tell them correctly: I wanted to get the facts straight.wantfactLet me get this straight – Tom sold the car and gave you the money?sellgive7set/put somebody straightUNDERSTAND to make someone understand the true facts about a situation: Tell him to ask Ruth – she’ll put him straight.8straight faceSERIOUS/NOT JOKING if you have a straight face, you are not laughing or smiling even though you would like to: I found it very difficult to keep a straight face.find9sexual choice informalHOMOSEXUAL someone who is straight is attracted to people of the opposite sex SYN heterosexual10alcoholic drink a straight alcoholic drink has no water or any other drink added to it: a straight whisky11not owing money [not before noun]OWE# spoken if two people are straight, they no longer owe money to each other: If you give me £10, then we’re straight.12choice/exchangeCHOOSE [only before noun] a straight choice or exchange is between only two possible choices or things: It was a straight choice between my career or my family.beWe did a straight swap – one of my cards for one of his.docard13fight/competition [only before noun] a straight fight or competition is between only two people: The election is now a straight fight between Labour and the Conservatives.beconservative14normal informalBORING someone who is straight behaves in a way that is accepted as normal by many people but which you think is boring15not funny a straight actor or character does not try to make people laugh16only one type completely one particular type of something: It’s not a straight historical novel.17drugs informalDRUG someone who is straight does not take illegal drugs → set/put the record straight at recordTHESAURUSnot hiding the truth or the factshonest saying what you really think and not hiding the truth or the facts: I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.go | an honest answer | To be honest, I didn’t think his speech was very good.bestraight informal honest and saying what you really think: I can’t help you if you’re not straight with me. | I need a straight answer.open willing to talk about what you think, feel etc in an honest way, rather than trying to hide it: People have become more open about their feelings.feeling | She’s very easy to talk to because she’s so open.frank speaking honestly and directly about something, especially something that people find difficult to discuss: In his book, he’s brutally frank about his experience with his illness. | a frank discussion about sexdirect saying exactly what you think in an honest clear way, even when this might annoy or upset people: Not everyone liked his direct manner.like | She can be very direct.blunt speaking in a completely honest way, even if it upsets people, when it would be better to be more careful or polite: Sorry if I was a bit blunt with you.bebite | His hard tone and blunt words were hurtful.wordbe | She didn’t reply and I knew I had been too blunt.knowhavebeupfront [not before noun] informal talking and behaving in an honest way, even when it is difficult to do this, in a way that people respect: It’s best to be upfront about your financial problems.wellproblem | You have to be upfront with kids.kidoutspoken expressing your opinions publicly in a very direct way, which may offend or annoy some people: an outspoken critic of the government | He was known for his outspoken views on various controversies.beknowviewcontroversyforthright formal saying exactly what what you think, without being afraid of what other people will think: The opposition have not come up with a clear forthright statement of their policies.policy | At times, Helena was a little too forthright.timebecandid formal honest about the facts, or about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: He’d always been completely candid about his past.be | It was an unusually candid admission for a politician.be
straightnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesstraightstraightsstraightstraight3 nounWord family1[singular] especially British English the straight part of a racetrack2the straight and narrow old-fashionedHONEST an honest and morally good way of life3[countable] informalHOMOSEXUAL# someone who is attracted to people of the opposite sex OPP gay
verb (past tense and past participle struck /strʌk/)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: strican ‘to touch lightly, go’ Verb form1hit [transitive] writtenHIT/BUMP INTO to hit or fall against the surface of something:
She fell heavily, striking her head against the side of the boat.fallstrikeA snowball struck him on the back of the head.strikeSeveral cars were struck by falling trees.carbestrikefalltreeThe last rays of the setting sun struck the windows.raysetstrikewindowRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say hit rather than strike:I hit my head on the shelf.He was hit by a rock.be2hit with hand/weapon etc [transitive] formalHIT to deliberately hit someone or something with your hand or a weapon: She struck him hard across the face.strikestrike something with somethingThe victim had been struck with some kind of wooden implement.havebestrikePaul struck him a blow to the head.strikeThe assassin’s bullet struck home (=hit exactly where it should).strike3thought/idea [transitive not in progressive]THINK STH/HAVE A THOUGHT if something strikes you, you think of it, notice it, or realize that it is important, interesting, true etc: A rather worrying thought struck me.worrythinkstrikeThe first thing that struck me was the fact that there were no other women present.strikebebewomanit strikes somebody thatIt struck her that losing the company might be the least of her worries.strikeloselittleworrybe struck by somethingYou can’t help being struck by her kindness.bestrike4strike somebody as (being) somethingSEEM to seem to have a particular quality or feature: His jokes didn’t strike Jack as being very funny.jokebeit strikes somebody as strange/odd etc thatIt struck me as odd that the man didn’t introduce himself before he spoke.strikespeak5stop work [intransitive]STOP WORKING/GO ON STRIKE if a group of workers strike, they stop working as a protest against something relating to their work, for example how much they are paid, bad working conditions etc: In many countries, the police are forbidden to strike.countrybeforbidstrike forThey’re striking for the right to have their trade union recognized in law.strikerecognize6attack [intransitive]ATTACK to attack someone, especially suddenly: The killer might strike again.Guerrillas struck a UN camp, killing 75.guerrillastrikekillOpponents of the war say that civilian villages have been struck several times.opponentvillagebestriketime7harm [intransitive and transitive] to damage or harm someone or somethingstrike atThe law would strike at the most basic of civil rights.willrightSuch prejudices strike right at the heart of any notions of a civilized society.prejudicenotioncivilizestrike a blow at/against/to somethingThe scandal seemed to have struck a mortal blow to the government’s chances of re-election.seemstrikechance8something bad happens [intransitive and transitive]HAPPEN if something bad strikes, it suddenly happens or suddenly begins to affect someone: The plague struck again for the third time that century.strikeEverything seemed to be going fine when suddenly disaster struck.seemgostrike → stricken9strike a balance (between something)EQUAL to give the correct amount of importance or attention to two separate things: He was finding it difficult to strike a balance between his family and his work.befindIt isn’t always easy to strike the right balance.10strike a bargain/dealAGREE to agree to do something for someone if they do something for you: There are rumors that the president struck a private deal with the corporation’s chairman.berumorstrike11strike a happy/cheerful/cautious etc noteEXPRESS to express a particular feeling or attitude: The article struck a conciliatory note.strikeModerate Republicanism appeared to strike exactly the right note with the voters (=be what the people wanted).appearvoter12strike a chordAGREE to say or do something that other people agree with or have sympathy withstrike a chord withTheir story is bound to strike a chord with all parents.bebindparent13strike a matchLIGHT to produce a flame from a match by rubbing it hard across a rough surface14strike gold/oil etcFIND to find a supply of gold, oil etc in the ground or under the sea: If they strike oil, drilling will begin early next year.drill15strike gold informal to do something that makes you a lot of money: Jackie eventually struck gold with her third novel.strike16lightning [intransitive and transitive]DAMAGE if lightning strikes something, it hits and damages it: The temple burned down after it was struck by lightning last year.burnbestrike → to suddenly be unable to talk, usually because you are very surprised or shocked → dumbstruck27be struck with horror/terror/awe etc to suddenly feel very afraid, shocked etc: As she began to speak to him, she was struck with shyness.beginbestrike28strike while the iron is hotCHANCE/OPPORTUNITY to do something immediately rather than waiting until a later time when you are less likely to succeed29strike somebody dead to kill someone: May God strike me dead if I’m telling a lie!tellstrike back phrasal verb ATTACKto attack or criticize someone who attacked or criticized you first: We instruct our staff never to strike back, however angry they feel.strike back atThe prime minister immediately struck back at his critics.strikecriticstrike somebody ↔ down phrasal verb1[usually passive]KILL to kill someone or make them extremely ill: Over 50 nurses at the clinic have been struck down with a mystery virus.nursebestrikeThey would rob the bodies of those struck down in battle.willbodystrike2HIT formal to hit someone so hard that they fall down3law to say that a law, decision etc is illegal and officially end itstrike somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb1be struck off British EnglishLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION if a doctor, lawyer etc is struck off, their name is removed from the official list of people who are allowed to work as doctors, lawyers etc2to remove someone or something from a list: Terri was told to strike off the names of every person older than 30.betellnameoldstrike on/upon something phrasal verb FIND formal to discover something or have a good idea about something → be struck on somebody/something at struck2strike out phrasal verb1to attack or criticize someone suddenly or violentlystrike out atUnhappy young people will often strike out at the people closest to them.close2strike something ↔ outLINE to draw a line through something written on a piece of paper3[always + adverb/preposition]GO to start walking or swimming in a particular direction, especially in a determined way: She struck out for the side of the pool.strike4strike out on your ownSTART DOING STHINDEPENDENT PERSON to start doing something or living independently5to not hit the ball in baseball three times, so that you are not allowed to continue trying, or to make someone do thisstrike somebody ↔ outHe struck out the first batter he faced.strikeface → strikeout6American English informalFAIL to not be successful at something: ‘Did she say she’d go out with you?’ ‘No, I struck out.’dostrike7strike something ↔ out law to say officially that something cannot be considered as proof in a court of lawstrike up phrasal verb1strike up a friendship/relationship/conversation etcFRIENDLY to start to become friendly with someone, to start talking to them, etc: I struck up a conversation with the girl sitting next to me.strikesit2strike up (something) to begin playing a piece of music: The band struck up a tango.strike
strikenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstrikestrikesstrikestrike2 S3 W2 noun
Word family1not working [uncountable and countable]STOP WORKING/GO ON STRIKE a period of time when a group of workers deliberately stop working because of a disagreement about pay, working conditions etc: The government has promised that the army will be called in to help if there is a firemen’s strike.havepromisecallbefiremanstrike bya six-week strike by railway workersworkerstrike overa strike over pay cutscutstrike againsta national strike against mine closuresclosure2attack [countable]ATTACK a military attack, especially by planes dropping bombsstrike against/ona surprise air strike on military targetstargetAmerican aircraft carriers have launched several strikes.carrierlaunchstrike → first strike3discovery [countable usually singular] the discovery of something valuable under the ground: an oil strike4two/three strikes against somebody/something American English a condition or situation that makes it extremely difficult for someone or something to be successful: Children from poor backgrounds have two strikes against them by the time they begin school.childbackgroundstrike5baseball [countable] an attempt to hit the ball in baseball that fails, or a ball that is thrown to the batter in the correct area but is not hit6bowling [countable] a situation in bowling in which you knock down all the pins (=bottle-shaped objects) with a ball on your first attempt → hunger strike, lightning strikeCOLLOCATIONSverbsbe (out) on strike Teachers are on strike again this week.teacherbego on strike/come out on strike (=start a strike) An estimated 70,000 public sector workers went on strike.estimateworkergobegin a strike Dock workers began a 24-hour strike last night.workerbegincall a strike (=tell people to strike) The union threatened to call a strike.threatenstage a strike (=organize a short strike) Health workers will stage a two-day strike next week.workerend/call off a strike (=decide not to continue with it) The strike was called off two days later.becalldaylatebreak a strike (=force workers to end it) Attempts to break the strike failed.attemptfailADJECTIVES/NOUN + strikea one-day/two-week etc strike A three-day strike is planned for next week.beplanan indefinite strike (=with no end planned) Workers at the processing plant have begun an indefinite strike.workerprocessbegina long strike Most teachers wouldn’t be in favour of a long strike.teachera general strike (=when workers from most industries strike) They threatened to call a general strike.threatena national/nationwide strike (=all over the country) In April 1984 the National Union of Mineworkers called a national strike.mineworkercallan all-out strike British English (=when all the workers in a factory, industry etc strike) The dockers voted for an all-out strike.dockervotea rail/coal/postal etc strike (=affecting the rail/coal etc industry) A rail strike would cause enormous public inconvenience.willa miners’/teachers’/pilots’ etc strike (=by miners, teachers etc) The transport workers’ strike inflicted serious damage on the economy.workerinflictan unofficial strike (=not organized by a trade union) Some workers had been sacked for taking part in unofficial strikes.workerhavebesacktakestrikea wildcat strike (=without any warning) Legislation to curb wildcat strikes will be introduced during the coming parliamentary session.strikeintroducecomean all-out strike (=in which all the workers have stopped working completely) The company faces an all-out strike next month.facea bitter strike (=with angry feelings between workers and managers) The miners finally returned to work at the end of a long, bitter strike.minerreturna damaging/crippling strike (=having a bad effect on an industry) The company now faces the prospect of a crippling strike.facecripplestrike + NOUNstrike action (=a strike) Hospital workers have voted in favour of strike action.workervotea strike call (=when a group asks people to strike) The ANC estimated that more than 4,000,000 people heeded its strike call.estimateheeda strike ballot British English (=when workers vote on whether to strike) The union is going to hold a strike ballot.begoCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'go on a strike'. Say go on strike.THESAURUSstrike [countable] a period of time when a group of workers stop working because of a disagreement about pay, working conditions etc: A teachers’ strike has been announced for next week.teacherhavebeannounce | The rail strike has resulted in major delays on roads across the country.haveresultdelayroadindustrial action [uncountable] British English activities such as strikes, or doing less work than usual, as a way of trying to persuade an employer to improve pay, conditions etc: Lecturers voted to take industrial action over their workload.lecturervote | Prison officers have threatened industrial action.officerthreatenstoppage [countable] British English, work stoppage American English a short strike, especially one that lasts for one day: Customs officers will return to work today after a twenty-four hour stoppage.customofficergo-slow [countable] British English a period of time when a group of workers deliberately work more slowly than usual as a way of protesting about pay, conditions etc: The hospital go-slow comes into effect tomorrow.come | The union carried out strikes and go-slows in support of a wage claim.carrystrikeslow
verbWord familyVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]COOK to prepare food for eating by using heat: Where did you learn to cook?doCook the sauce over a low heat for ten minutes.minutecook a meal/dinner/breakfast etcI’m usually too tired to cook an evening meal.tireevencook something for supper/lunch/dinner etcHe was cooking rice for supper.becookcook somebody somethingShe cooked them all a good dinner every night.cookcook (something) for somebodyI promised I’d cook for them.promiseslices of cooked hamslicecooka cooked breakfastcook2[intransitive]COOK to be prepared for eating by using heat: He could smell something delicious cooking.cancookHamburgers were cooking in the kitchen.hamburgerbecook3cook the booksCHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT to dishonestly change official records and figures in order to steal money or give people false information: The Government was cooking the books and misleading the public.becookbookmislead4be cooking informalPLAN to be being planned in a secret way: They’ve got something cooking, and I don’t think I like it.getcook5be cooking (with gas)EFFICIENT spoken used to say that someone is doing something very well: The band’s really cooking tonight.cookCOLLOCATIONSnounscook a meal Shall I cook the meal tonight?cook breakfast/lunch/dinner Kate was in the kitchen cooking dinner.becookcook food The book also gives advice on healthy ways of cooking food.givewaycookcook rice/pasta/sausages etc Cook the pasta for about 8 minutes.minuteadverbscook something gently/slowly (=on a low heat) Reduce the heat and cook gently for 20 minutes.minutecook something well/thoroughly (=until it has definitely cooked for a long enough time) Beans should always be cooked well.beanshallcookbe cooked through (=in the middle as well as on the outside) Fry the fish until golden and cooked through.cookcook something evenly (=until all of it is equally well cooked ) Turn the pie several times to cook it evenly.timephrasesbe cooked to perfection (=be cooked exactly the right amount, so it is perfect) All the dishes were cooked to perfection by the French chef.dishbecookTHESAURUSto cook somethingcook to prepare a meal or food for eating by using heat: I offered to cook a meal for her.offer | Cook in a hot oven for 25 minutes.minutemake to make a meal or a particular dish by cooking it or getting all the parts ready: John was making dinner.bemake | I think I’ll make a salad for lunch.prepare to make a meal or a particular dish by getting all the parts ready. Prepare is more formal than make: The children helped to prepare the evening meal.childhelpeven | The dish takes a long time to prepare.takerustle up /ˈrʌsəl/ informal to cook a meal or dish quickly using whatever is available: She soon rustled up a tasty soup.rustlefix especially American English to cook or prepare a meal – used about meals you make quickly: Why don’t you take a nap while I fix dinner?do British English informal to make a particular type of food: I could do you an omelette.can | I was thinking of doing a fish pie when Michael comes.bethinkdocomeways of cooking somethingbake to cook things such as bread or cakes in an oven: Tom baked a cake for my birthday.bakeroast to cook meat or vegetables in an oven: Roast the potatoes for an hour.potatofry to cook food in hot oil: She was frying some mushrooms.befrymushroomstir-fry to fry small pieces of food while moving them around continuously: stir-fried tofu and bean sproutsfrysproutsauté /ˈsəʊteɪ $ soʊˈteɪ/ to fry vegetables for a short time in a small amount of butter or oil: Sauté the potatoes in butter.potatogrill to cook food over or under strong heat: grilled fishgrillbroil American English to cook food under heat: broiled fishbroilboil to cook something in very hot water: He doesn’t even know how to boil an egg. | English people seem to love boiled vegetables.boilvegetablesteam to cook vegetables over hot water: Steam the rice for 15 minutes.minutepoach to cook food, especially fish or eggs, slowly in hot water: poached salmonpoachtoast to cook the outside surfaces of bread: toasted muffinstoastmuffinbarbecue to cook food on a metal frame over a fire outdoors: I thought we could barbecue some mackerel.thinkcanmicrowave to cook food in a microwave oven: The beans can be microwaved.beanmicrowavecook something ↔ up phrasal verb1COOKto prepare food, especially quickly: Every night he cooked up a big casserole.cook2informalINVENT to invent an excuse, reason, plan etc, especially one that is slightly dishonest or unlikely to work: the plan that Graham and Dempster had cooked uphavecook
cooknounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescookcookscookcook2 noun [countable]Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: coc, from Latin coquus, from coquere ‘to cook’ 1someone who prepares and cooks food as their job SYN chef:
He works as a cook in a local restaurant.work2be a good/wonderful/terrible etc cookCOOK to be good or bad at preparing and cooking food3too many cooks (spoil the broth)TOO/TOO MUCH used when you think there are too many people trying to do the same job at the same time, so that the job is not done well → chief cook and bottle-washer at chief1(3)
noun [countable]
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: celle, from Latin cella ‘small room’ 1body the smallest part of a living thing that can exist independentlyblood/brain/nerve cell
red blood cellscellcancer cellscellEmbryos grow by cell division (=the splitting of cells).embryo2
prisonPRISON a small room in a prison or police station where prisoners are kept: He spent a night in the cells at the local police station.spendcellthe walls of his prison cellwall3phone American English a cellular phone; a telephone that you can carry around with you, that works by using a network of radio stations to pass on signals SYN mobile British English: Call me on my cell if you’re running late.run4electric a piece of equipment for producing electricity from chemicals, heat, or light: a car powered by electric fuel cellspowercell5secret groupGROUP OF PEOPLE a small group of people who are working secretly as part of a larger political organization: a terrorist cell6religious a small room in a monastery or convent where someone sleeps7insect/small animal a small space that an insect or other small creature has made to live in or use: the cells of a honeycombcellCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + cell a blood/nerve/brain/muscle etc cell No new brain cells are produced after birth.cellbeproducea human/animal/plant cell the structure of plant cellscella red cell (=the most common type of blood cell) The red cells carry the oxygen.cella white cell (=a type of blood cell that defends your body against disease) In leukaemia there is an abnormal and excessive formation of white cells.becella living/dead cell Every living cell has a nucleus.livehavenormal/abnormal The test enables doctors to detect abnormal cells.enabledoctorcella stem cell (=one that divides and repairs the body, and may be used in medical treatment) Stem cells may make life-saving treatment possible.cellsavea cancer cell Already there are many treatments which destroy cancer cells.betreatmentcellverbsa cell divides White blood cells divide rapidly.cellcell + NOUNcell division The embryo grows by cell division.growa cell count (=the number of cells in a particular amount of blood) A healthy person' s red cell count is close to 1, 000.beTHESAURUSprison a large building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime or while they are waiting to go to court for their trial: He was sentenced to five years in prison.besentenceyear | Wandsworth Prisonjail a prison, or a similar smaller building where prisoners are kept for a short time: This old building is the jail that Butch Cassidy escaped from in 1887.buildbeescape | He was taken to a cell in the Los Angeles County Jail.betake | 58% of prisoners are in jail for non-violent crimes.prisonerbecrime | The strikers were harassed, beaten and put in jail for trespassing.strikerbeharassbeattrespass | Grover got caught for not paying his taxes and was sent to jail.getcatchpaytaxbesendgaol /dʒeɪl/ British English another way of spelling jail: He spent the night in gaol.spendpenitentiary /ˌpenəˈtenʃəri, ˌpenɪˈtenʃəri/ American English a large prison for people who are guilty of serious crimes: the Ohio State Penitentiary | The murderer served 10 years at the penitentiary in Stillwater.serveyear | the abandoned federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Islandabandoncorrectional facility American English formal an official word for a prison: 1,000 prisoners rioted at the North County Correctional Facility.prisonerriotdetention centre British English, detention center American English a place where young people who have done something illegal are kept, because they are too young to go to prison. Also used about a place where people who have entered a country illegally are kept: Kevin, who had been abandoned by his mother, had been in and out of detention centres all his life.havebeabandonhavebecentre | a juvenile detention center | Harmondsworth detention centre, near Heathrow airportopen prison British English a prison in which prisoners have more freedom than in an ordinary prison, usually because their crimes were less serious: In some open prisons, prisoners are allowed to go home at weekends.prisonprisonerbeallowweekendcell a small room in a prison or police station, where someone is kept as a punishment: a prison cell | Conditions were poor, and there were several prisoners to one cell.conditionbebeprisoner
adjective (comparative deeper, superlative deepest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: deop 1going far downDEEP a)going far down from the top or from the surface OPP shallow:
The castle is on an island surrounded by a deep lake.besurroundThe swimming pool has a deep end and a shallow end for kids.swimhavekidWe’ll take the boat out into deep water where we can dive.a deep narrow valley b)you use deep to say what distance something goes down from the top or surface2 metres/6 feet etc deepDig a hole around 12 inches deep.inchankle-deep/waist-deep etcIn places, the snow was waist-deep (=deep enough to reach a person’s waist).placebe → knee-deep2going far inDEEP going far in from the outside or from the front edge of something: a deep woundwindShe was sitting in a deep leather chair.besit3serious serious or severe: Despite the peace process, there are deep divisions in the community.bedivisionThe country is in a deep recession.beEvan would be in deep trouble if he was caught.willbecatch4breathBREATHE a deep breath or sigh is one in which you breathe a lot of air in or out: She stopped and took a deep breath.stoptakeTom gave a deep sigh of relief.give5feeling/beliefSTRONG FEELING OR BELIEF a deep feeling, belief etc is very strong and sincere SYN profound: May I express my deepest sympathy.deepThe letters show her deep affection for him.letterHe has a deep understanding of the environment.haveunderstand6soundLOW SOUND OR VOICE a deep sound is very low: Her laugh was deep and loud.beI love that deep bass line.7colourCOLOUR/COLOR a deep colour is dark and strong OPP light, pale: She gazed at him with wide deep blue eyes.gazeeyeThe berries are a deep red colour.berrybe8difficult to understand important but complicated or difficult to understand: These problems are too deep for me.problembeThere is a deep issue of principle involved.beinvolve9sleepSLEEP if someone is in a deep sleep, it is difficult to wake them: He lay down and fell into a deep sleep.liefall10deep in thought/conversation etcNOTICE# thinking so hard or paying attention to something so much that you do not notice anything else that is happening around you11deep in debtOWE owing a lot of money12a deep impression a strong effect or influence that remains for a long time: What he said made a deep impression on me.saymake13person a deep person is serious and intelligent, but is hard to know well: Henry has always been a deep one. He keeps his views to himself.havebekeepview14be in deep shit spoken not politePROBLEM to be in a bad situation because of something you have done15be in deep waterSERIOUS SITUATION to be in trouble or in a difficult or serious situation: The company is in deep water over their refusal to reduce prices.beprice16ball games a deep ball is hit, thrown, or kicked to a far part of the sports field17jump/be thrown in at the deep endPREPARE# to choose to do or be made to do a very difficult job without having prepared for it: She decided to jump in at the deep end, buy a farm, and teach herself.decide18go off at the deep end informalANGRY to become angry suddenly and violently, usually when there is not a good reasonTHESAURUSvoices/sounds that are not highlow a low voice or sound is not high on the scale of musical sounds: I can’t sing the low notes.note | He’s got quite a low singing voice.getsing | Boys’ voices usually become much lower as they get older.boyvoicelowolddeep a deep voice or sound is low, strong, and pleasant: He has a lovely deep voice.have | The engine has a wonderfully deep sound to it, like it’s ready to race.havehusky a husky voice is deep, quiet, and rough-sounding, especially in a way that is attractive: Monroe sang 'Happy Birthday, Mr President’ in a slow husky voice.sing | His voice dropped to a husky whisper.dropgravelly a gravelly voice is very low and rough sounding: The singer is famous for his gravelly voice.be
deepadverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdeepdeepdeep2 W3 adverb1[always + adverb/preposition]DEEP a long way into or below the surface of something: Some bones were hidden deep beneath the ground.bonebehidegrindThe tunnel led deep under the mountains.leadmountainWe were deep in a tropical rainforest (=far from the edge of the forest).beTom stared deep into her eyes.stareeyeThey talked deep into the night (=very late).talk2deep down a)CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYif you know or feel something deep down, you secretly know or feel it even though you do not admit it: He knew, deep down, that he would have to apologise.knowwill b)TRUEif someone is good, evil etc deep down, that is what they are really like even though they usually hide it: Deep down, she is a caring person.becare3two/three etc deepLINE if things or people are two deep, three deep etc, there are two, three etc rows or layers of things or people: People were standing four deep at the bar.bestand4run/go deep if a feeling such as hatred or anger runs deep in someone, they feel it very strongly, especially because of something that has happened in the past: The prejudice runs deep and we need to understand the fears behind it.runfear5be in (too) deep informalSERIOUS SITUATION to be very involved in a situation, especially so that it causes you problems → still waters run deep at still2(5)
deepnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdeepdeepsdeepdeep3 nounWord family the deep literary the seaTHESAURUSdark coloursdark used about a colour that is strong and fairly close to black: a dark blue suit | His eyes are dark brown.eyebedeep fairly dark – often used when you think this colour looks attractive: His eyes were a beautiful deep blue.eyebe | deep red lipsliprich used about a colour that is fairly dark in a way that gives a pleasant feeling of warmth: The walls were painted a rich red colour.wallbepaint
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of promovere ‘to move forward’ Verb form1encourageHELP to help something to develop or increase:
a meeting to promote trade between Taiwan and the UKmeetFertilizer promotes leaf growth.promote2better job [usually passive]UP to give someone a better more responsible job in a company OPP demotepromote somebody to somethingHelen was promoted to senior manager.bepromote3sell to help sell a new product, film etc by offering it at a reduced price or by advertising it: She’s in London to promote her new book.4sport [usually passive] British English if a sports team is promoted, they play in a better group of teams the next year OPP relegatepromote somebody to somethingThey have been promoted to the First Division.bepromote5persuadePERSUADE to try to persuade people to support or use something: John Major promoted the idea of a classless society.promote6arrangeARRANGE A MEETING, EVENT ETC to be responsible for arranging a large public event such as a concert or a sports gameTHESAURUSadvertise verb [intransitive and transitive] to tell people about a product or service and try to persuade them to buy it, for example in a newspaper, television, or Internet advertisement: Some universities advertise on television.university | She has signed a deal to advertise the company's haircare products.havesignproductpromote verb [transitive] to try to increase the sales or popularity of a product or event, for example by selling it at a lower price or talking about it on television: He's in London to promote his new album.market verb [transitive] to try to sell a product or service by deciding which type of people are likely to buy it and by making it interesting to them: The collection is being marketed as clothing for climbers and skiers.bebemarketclotheclimberskier | Most companies have agreed not to market products to children under 12.companyagreeproductchildpublicize (also publicise British English) verb [transitive] to tell the public about something by writing about it in newspapers, speaking about it on television etc: He had done a lot of interviews to publicize his new book.havedointerview | The hostages' case has been widely publicized.hostagehavebepublicizehype verb [transitive] informal to try to make people think something is good or important by advertising or talking about it a lot on television, the radio etc. Hype is often used when you do not trust the information: The boxing match was being hyped as the biggest fight of the decade.boxbebehypebigplug verb [transitive] informal to advertise a book, film etc by talking about it on television or radio: Marc was on the show to plug his new play.be
verb
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old North French
Origin: escaper, from Vulgar Latin excappare, from Late Latin cappa ‘head-covering’; from the idea of throwing off something that limits your movement Verb form1person/placeESCAPE [intransitive] to leave a place when someone is trying to catch you or stop you, or when there is a dangerous situation:
He broke down the locked door and escaped.breaklockescapeescape from/through/over etcHe escaped from prison in October.escapeescape toShe escaped to Britain in 1938.escape2dangerESCAPE [intransitive and transitive] to get away from a dangerous or bad situationescape withHe escaped with minor injuries.escapeinjuryescape unhurt/unscathed/unharmed etcA boy escaped unhurt when the fire in his room exploded.escapeexplodeThey went to the hills to escape the summer heat.gohillescape sb’s clutches (=escape from someone)The youth was trying to escape the clutches of two drunken female companions.betryclutchcompanion3avoidESCAPE [intransitive and transitive] to avoid something bad or that you do not want to happen: He narrowly escaped death in an avalanche.escapeThe two passengers escaped serious injury.passengerescapeThey must not be allowed to escape justice.allowIt seemed impossible he would escape detection.seemwill4gas/liquid etcPOUR [intransitive] if gas, liquid, light, heat etc escapes from somewhere, it comes out: Vents allow any steam to escape if the system overheats.ventoverheat5soundSOUND [intransitive and transitive] literary if a sound escapes from someone, they accidentally make that sound: A small laugh escaped her.escapeescape fromHolman let a weary sigh escape from his lips.lip6NOTICEescape sb’s attention/notice if something escapes your attention or notice, you do not see it or realize that it is there7FORGETthe name/date/title etc escapes somebody used to say that someone cannot remember something: For some reason which escapes me, we had to take a taxi.escapehave8CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYthere’s no escaping (the fact) used to emphasize that something is definitely important or will definitely happen: There’s no escaping the fact that work has profound effects on emotions and health.escapehaveeffectemotionCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1,2&3verbstry/attempt to escape Some prisoners tried to escape, but most were recaptured or shot.prisonertryberecaptureshootnounsescape injury (=not be hurt) Both drivers were lucky to escape serious injury.driverbeescape justice (=not be caught and punished) These terrorists must not be allowed to escape justice.terroristallowescape detection (=not be noticed) Some insects manage to escape detection by merging with the background.insectmergeescape sb’s clutches (=escape and not be caught be someone) He managed to escape the men’s clutches and run off.managemanclutchphrasesnarrowly escape something (=only just avoid having something bad happen to you) The firemen narrowly escaped being killed by the explosion.firemanescapebekillescape with your life (=escape and not be killed) When the tunnel collapsed, the men were lucky to escape with their lives.collapsemanbeliveescape unharmed/unscathed/unhurt Two policemen were killed, but the president escaped unharmed.policemanbekillescapeescape alive The crew of the sinking vessel were lucky to escape alive.sinkbeTHESAURUSescape to leave a place when someone is trying to catch you or stop you, or when there is a dangerous situation: The thief escaped through an upstairs window.escape | She managed to escape from her attacker and call the police.manageget away to escape from someone who is chasing you, especially when there is no chance that you will be caught. Get away is more informal than escape: The robbers got away but left plenty of clues at the scene.robbergetleaveclue | Don’t let him get away!break free/break away to escape from someone who is holding you: She broke free and started running.breakstartrunflee written to leave somewhere very quickly in order to escape from danger: Many people were forced to flee the country.beforce | The two men fled before police arrived.manfleearriveget out to escape from a building or room: I was locked in the room and couldn’t get out.belockbreak out to escape from prison: The jail is so secure that no one has ever broken out of it.behavebreakabscond formal to escape from a prison or institution where you are supposed to stay: Three prisoners who absconded have still not been found.prisonerabscondbefind | He absconded from a psychiatric hospital.abscond
escapenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesescapeescapesescapeescape2 S3 nounWord family1ESCAPE[uncountable and countable] the act of getting away from a place, or a dangerous or bad situation: The girl had no chance of escape.haveChristina hoped it wouldn’t be too long before she could make her escape.hopecanescape fromthe firm’s narrow escape from bankruptcyan escape routeThey had a lucky escape (=were lucky not to be hurt or killed) when a car crashed into the front of their house.havecrash2ESCAPE[singular, uncountable] a way of forgetting about a bad or boring situation for a short timeescape fromTravel can be an escape from the routine drudgery of life.3POUR[uncountable and countable] an amount of gas, liquid etc that accidentally comes out of the place where it is being kept, or an occasion when this happens: The lid prevents the escape of poisonous gases.preventgas → fire escapeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsplan an escape We planned our escape carefully and waited for just the right moment.planwaitprevent an escape (also foil an escape formal) (=stop an escape) Walker grabbed her firmly by the wrist, preventing any chance of escape.grabpreventmake your escape formal (=to escape) I had to make my escape before the guards returned.haveguardreturnescape + NOUNan escape attempt/bid She made several unsuccessful escape attempts before finally getting away.makeattemptgetan escape plan You should have an escape plan in the event of a fire.shallan escape route All their escape routes had been blocked.routehavebeblockphraseshave a narrow escape (=to only just avoid danger or difficulties) The team had a narrow escape from relegation last season.havehave a lucky escape We had a lucky escape when a tree crashed through the ceiling.havecrashhave a miraculous escape (=be extremely lucky to escape) Ellie had miraculous escape after a firework exploded in her hand.haveexplodea means of escape (=a way of escaping) She searched in vain for a means of escape.searchmeana chance/hope/possibility of escape The river offered our only hope of escape.offermake good your escape literary (=to succeed in escaping) Dillinger handcuffed the deputy to the desk and made good his escape.handcuffmakeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2phrasesa means of escape (=a way of forgetting about a bad situation) Drugs and alcohol are their only means of escape.drugbemeansb’s escape route from something (=someone’s only chance of getting away from a bad situation) Bankruptcy offered his only escape route from mounting debt.offermount
noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: quartier, from Latin quartarius, from quartus ‘fourth’ 1amountPART one of four equal parts into which something can be divided → half, thirda/one quarter (of something)
a quarter of a mileroughly one quarter of the city’s populationIt’s about a page and a quarter.three quarters (of something) (=75%)three quarters of a million poundsquarterpoundthe first/second etc quarterin the last quarter of the 19th centuryCut the cake into quarters.quarter ► Say a quarter of something, not ‘quarter of’ something.2part of an hour a period of 15 minutes: I’ll meet you in a quarter of an hour.She arrived three quarters of an hour (=45 minutes) late.arrivequarter(a) quarter to (something) (also (a) quarter of (something) )American English (=15 minutes before the hour)It’s a quarter of two.(a) quarter past (something) British English also (a) quarter after (something) )American English (=15 minutes after the hour)I’ll meet you at a quarter past ten.3money a coin used in the US and Canada worth 25 cents4three months a period of three months, used especially when discussing business and financial mattersthe first/second/third/fourth quarterThe company’s profits rose by 11% in the first quarter of the year.profitriseOur database is updated every quarter.beupdate → at close quarters at close2(20)THESAURUSarea a part of a town or country, or of the world: They live in a very wealthy area. | coastal areasarearegion a large area of a country or the world: the northwest region of Russia | desert regionsregionzone an area that is different from other areas around it in some way: a war zone | a no-parking zonepark | We crossed two different time zonesareas where there is a particular time compared to the rest of the world.crossbecomparedistrict one of the areas a city or town is officially divided into, or an area of a city where a particular group live or an activity happens: the Chelsea district of Manhattan | the business/financial/theatre etc district: the financial district of Londonneighbourhood British English, neighborhood American English /ˈneɪbəhʊd $ -ər-/ an area of a town where people live: a friendly neighbourhood | There are lots of trees in our neighborhood.belottreesuburb an area outside the centre of a city, where people live: a suburb of Bostonquarter an area of a town or city where people of a particular nationality live: the French quarter of New Orleansslum an area of a city that is in very bad condition, where many poor people live: He grew up in the slums of East London.growslumghetto an area of a city where poor people of a particular race or class live: a black baby born in the ghetto
quarterverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesquarterquartersquarteredquarteringquarterquarter2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1CUTto cut or divide something into four parts → halve: Quarter the tomatoes and place them round the dish.tomato2[usually passive] formal to provide someone with a place to sleep and eat, especially soldiers: Our troops were quartered in Boston until June.troopbequarter
verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: aprochier, from Late Latin appropiare, from Latin ad- ‘to’ + prope ‘near’ Verb form1move towards [intransitive and transitive]TOWARDS to move towards or nearer to someone or something:
As I approached the house, I noticed a light on upstairs.approachnoticeShe heard footsteps approaching.hearfootstepapproach2ask [transitive]ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STHCONTACT SB to ask someone for something, or ask them to do something, especially when you are asking them for the first time or when you are not sure if they will do itapproach somebody for somethingStudents should be able to approach teachers for advice.studentshallteacherapproach somebody/something about (doing) somethingThe charity approached several stores about giving food aid.approachstoregiveI have already been approached by several other companies (=offered a job, work etc).beapproachcompany → approachable3future event [intransitive and transitive]NEAR if an event or a particular time approaches, or you approach it, it is coming nearer and will happen soon: She was then approaching the end of her career.beapproachThe time is fast approaching when we will have to make a decision.beapproachWith winter approaching, many animals are storing food.approachanimalbestore4deal with [transitive]DEAL WITH to begin to deal with a situation or problem in a particular way or with a particular attitudeapproach a problem/task/matter etcIt might be possible to approach the problem in a different way.5almost [intransitive and transitive]ALMOST to be almost equal to something: temperatures approaching 35° CtemperatureapproachHe’s never had anything approaching a normal life.haveapproachCOLLOCATIONSMeaning adjectivesa new/different/fresh/alternative approach a new approach to pollution controla positive approach (=showing that you believe something can be done) A positive approach is essential in beating pain.bebeata creative approach (=thinking of new ideas and methods) International business requires a more creative approach.requirea general/broad approach Many governments have pursued this general approach to economic policy.governmentpursuea direct approach We would do better to adopt a direct approach and tackle the problem at its source.willwella practical approach Women often take a more practical approach.womana pragmatic approach (=dealing with problems in a way that is not limited by a strict set of principles) a pragmatic approach to management problemsproblema balanced approach (=considering everything in a sensible way) The President spoke in favour of a calm and balanced approach.speakbalancea tough approach (=dealing with something in a severe way) The council adopted a tough approach to fighting crime.adoptfighta cautious approach China has followed a more cautious approach.havefollowa flexible approach (=using different methods if necessary) We have a flexible approach to our clients’ requirements.clientrequirementa traditional/conservative approach This is different from the traditional approach to high school teaching.beteachan unorthodox approach (=not the same as people usually use) It’s an unorthodox approach that her doctor doesn’t recommend for everyone.a scientific/systematic approach a scientific approach to the study of languageverbshave an approach In the US they have a somewhat different approach.take/adopt an approach (=use an approach) There were concerns that Beijing would take a tougher approach.beconcernwilltoughuse an approach This approach has been used for a number of major investigations.havebeusenumbinvestigationtry an approach Some scientists have been trying an alternative approach.scientistbetryprefer/favour an approach I prefer a traditional approach.THESAURUScommunicate verb [intransitive and transitive] to exchange information or have a conversation with someone, by telephone, letter etc, or by seeing them: Now that we live in different cities, we communicate by e-mail.city | He is able to communicate using a special keyboard, which is connected to a computer.beusebeconnect | This message is not being communicated to staff.bebecommunicatecontact verb [transitive] to write to, phone, or email someone especially for the first time, in order to give or ask for information: Neighbours contacted police after seeing a man with a gun.neighbourcontactsee | She refused to comment when contacted by reporters from the local newspaper.refusecontactreporterget in touch (with somebody) to write to, telephone, or email someone, especially someone who you do not see very often: I really ought to get in touch with Paula. It's been months since we last spoke.bemonthspeak | You've got my phone number if you need to get in touch.getnumbget hold of somebody to succeed in contacting someone by telephone after trying several times: Where have you been? I've been trying to get hold of you all week.bebetry | It's no use trying to phone Linda at work – she's impossible to get hold of.tryapproach verb [transitive] to contact someone that you do not know or have not contacted before, in order to offer them something or ask them for something: He has already been approached by several professional football teams.havebeapproachteam | The company confirmed that it had been approached about a merger.confirmhavebeapproach
approachnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesapproachapproachesapproachapproach2 S2 W1 AC noun
1method [countable]WAY/METHOD a method of doing something or dealing with a problemapproach toa new approach to teaching languagesteachlanguageHe decided to adopt a different approach and teach the Bible through story-telling.decidetellThis book takes an unorthodox approach to art criticism.takeorganizations which take a positive approach to creative thinkingorganizationthink2ask [countable]ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH a request from someone, asking you to do something for them: They made a direct approach to the minister of education.make3the approach of somethingALMOST the approach of a particular time or event is the fact that it is getting closer: the approach of autumnIt’s a sign of the approach of middle age.4movement towards [uncountable]NEAR movement towards or near to something: Our approach frightened the birds.frightenbird5path/road [countable]TOWARDS a road, path etc that leads to a place, and is the main way of reaching it: Soldiers were guarding the approaches to the city.soldierbeguardapproachan approach road6aircraft [countable] the final part of a plane’s flight, before it lands at an airport: It was clear to land so we made our approach.bemake
verb (past tense and past participle shot /ʃɒt $ ʃɑːt/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sceotan Verb form1kill/injure [transitive]SHOOT to deliberately kill or injure someone using a gun:
Police shot one suspect when he pulled a gun on them.shootpullSmith killed his wife, and then shot himself.killshootA woman was shot dead in an attempted robbery.beshootattemptshoot somebody in the leg/head etcHe had been shot in the back while trying to escape.havebeshoottryThe guards have orders to shoot intruders on sight (=shoot them as soon as they see them).guardorderintruder2fire a gun etc [intransitive and transitive]SHOOT to make a bullet or arrow come from a weapon: Don’t shoot! I’m coming out with my hands up.comehandshoot atTwo guys walked in and started shooting at people.guywalkstartshootThe soldiers had orders to shoot to kill (=shoot at someone with the intention of killing them).soldierhaveordershoot bullets/arrowsThey shot arrows from behind the thick bushes.shootarrowbushshoot a gun/rifle etcTod’s grandfather taught him to shoot a rifle.teach3birds/animals [intransitive and transitive] to shoot and kill animals or birds as a sport: They spent the weekend in Scotland shooting grouse.spendshoot4move quickly [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]FAST/QUICK to move quickly in a particular direction, or to make something move in this way: She shot past me into the house.shootThe cat shot across the garden.shoot‘Where does cotton come from?’ Ron’s hand shot up. ‘America, Miss!’doshootThe fountain shoots water 20 feet into the air.shootfoot5try to score [intransitive and transitive] to kick or throw a ball in a sport such as football or basketball towards the place where you can get a point: Giggs shot from the halfway line.shoot6look at somebody shoot somebody a look/glance (also shoot a glance at somebody)LOOK FOR to look at someone quickly, especially so that other people do not see, to show them how you feelshoot somebody a quick/sharp/warning etc look/glance‘You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.’ Michelle shot him a furious glance.shootJack shot an anxious look at his mother.shoot7photograph/film [intransitive and transitive] to take photographs or make a film of something SYN film: The movie was shot in New Zealand.beshoot8pain [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]HURT/CAUSE PAIN if pain shoots through your body, you feel it going quickly through itshoot through/alongA sharp pain suddenly shot along his arm.shootshooting pains (=continuous short pains passing through your body)9shoot it out (with somebody) if people shoot it out, they fight using guns, especially until one person or group is killed or defeated by the other: a scene in which the cops shoot it out with the drug dealerscopdealer10shoot yourself in the footSTUPID/NOT SENSIBLE to say or do something stupid that will cause you a lot of trouble: If he keeps talking, pretty soon he’ll shoot himself in the foot.keeptalk11shoot questions at somebodyASK A QUESTION to ask someone a lot of questions very quickly: The prosecutor shot a series of rapid questions at Hendrickson.shootquestion12shoot your mouth off informalUNTRUE to talk about something that you should not talk about or that you know nothing about: Don’t go shooting your mouth off.shoot13shoot the bull/breeze American English informalTALK TO SB to have an informal conversation about unimportant things: Cal and I were sitting on the porch, shooting the breeze.besitshoot14shoot American English spokenTALK TO SB used to tell someone to start speaking: ‘I have a few questions.’ ‘OK, shoot.’question15shoot from the hip to say what you think in a direct way, or make a decision very quickly, without thinking about it first16shoot to fame/stardom/prominenceSUCCESSFUL to suddenly become very famous: Brian, an air steward, shot to fame on the television show ‘Big Brother’.shoot17shoot to number one/to the top of the charts etc to suddenly become very successful in the popular music charts (=the list of records that have sold the most copies that week): Westlife’s new album shot straight to the top of the charts.shootchart18shoot hoops/baskets informal to practise throwing basketballs into the basket19shoot the rapids to sail a small boat along a river that is moving very fast over rocks, as a sport: He was shooting the rapids when his canoe capsized.beshootcapsize20shoot pool informal to play the game of pool21shoot craps American English informal to play the game of craps22plants [intransitive]GROW/GET BIGGER if a plant shoots, a new part of it starts to grow, especially a new stem and leaves23lock on a doorOPEN [transitive] to move the bolt on a door so that it is in the locked or unlocked position24have shot your bolt British English, have shot your wad American English informalSPEND MONEY to have used all of your money, power, energy etc25shoot your load informal to ejaculate → blame/shoot the messenger at messenger1(2)THESAURUSshoot verb [intransitive and transitive] to use a gun to fire bullets, or to kill or injure someone using a gun: He ordered his men to stop shooting.ordermanshoot | The guards shot the man as he was trying to escape.guardshootbetry | President Kennedy was shot by a lone gunman.beshootfire verb [intransitive and transitive] to shoot bullets from a gun, or send an explosive object towards someone or something: Soldiers fired into the crowd.soldierfire | Helicopters fired rockets at several buildings.helicopterfirerocketbuilding | He regained his balance, took aim, and fired.regaintakefire | The police fired into the air to make the crowd break up.fire | As soon as we crossed the border, enemy troops started firing at us.crosstroopstartfire | Kendrick fired three shots at the President’s car.fireshot | Suddenly the car stopped, and the passenger got out and fired a Kalashnikov rifle at the police car.stopgetfirelaunch verb [transitive] to send a large rocket or missile into the air: American warships launched cruise missiles.warshiplaunchmissile | The guerrillas launched their rockets from densely populated towns.guerrillalaunchrocketpopulatetownopen fire to start shooting: Nineteen students were injured after a gunman opened fire.studentbeinjureopen | Troops opened fire on a group of unarmed demonstrators.troopopendemonstrator | The colonel gave the order for the soldiers to open fire.givesoldiershell verb [transitive] to fire shells (=metal containers filled with an explosive substance) at enemy soldiers, cities etc in a war, using large guns: Border towns have been shelled by enemy aircraft for the past two months.townbeshellmonth | British warships began shelling German positions along the coast.warshipbeginshellpositionbombard verb [transitive] to attack a place for a long time with shells or bombs: Allied forces bombarded the coast prior to the invasion.allyforcebombard | Troops bombarded the area with shells.troopbombardshell | The allied forces bombarded the enemy trenches for weeks.allyforcebombardtrenchweek | Cromwell’s men had been bombarding the fort with their artillery for several days.manhavebebombarddaytake a potshot at somebody/something to shoot at someone or something without aiming very carefully: Someone tried to take a potshot at him, but hit the man behind instead.tryshoot somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1SHOOTto make an enemy plane crash to the ground, by firing weapons at it: His plane was shot down over France in 1944.beshoot2SHOOTto kill or seriously injure someone by shooting them, especially someone who cannot defend themselves: The army were accused of shooting down unarmed demonstrators.beaccuseshootdemonstrator3informalWRONG/INCORRECT to say or show that someone’s ideas or opinions are wrong or stupid: I tried to help, but all my suggestions were shot down in flames, as usual.trysuggestionbeshootflameshoot for/at something phrasal verb especially American English informal TRY TO DO OR GET STHto try to achieve a particular aim, especially one that is very difficult SYN aim for: We are shooting for a 50% increase in sales in the next financial year.beshootsaleshoot off phrasal verb British English informal LEAVE A PLACEto leave somewhere quickly or suddenly: Sorry, but I’ll have to shoot off before the end of the meeting.meetshoot through phrasal verb LEAVE A PLACE Australian English informal to leave a place quickly, especially in order to avoid someone or something → be shot through with something at shot2(3)shoot up phrasal verb1UPto increase very quickly and suddenly SYN rocket: Demand for water has shot up by 70% over the last 30 years.haveshootyear2GROW/GET BIGGERif a child shoots up, he or she grows taller very quickly and suddenly: I can’t believe this is Joshua – he’s shot up since we last saw him!beshootsee3shoot somebody/something ↔ upSHOOT to cause serious injury or damage to someone or something by shooting them with bullets: Then two men came in and shot up the entire lobby.mancomeshoot4shoot up (something) informal to put illegal drugs into your blood, using a needle SYN inject: Kids as young as ten are shooting up heroin.kidbeshoot
shootnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshootshootsshootshoot2 noun [countable]1the part of a plant that comes up above the ground when it is just beginning to grow, or a new part that grows on an existing plant: Tender green shoots will appear in February.shoot2an occasion when someone takes photographs or makes a film: a photo shoot sponsored by Kodaksponsoron a shootShe’s out on a video shoot.3an occasion when people shoot birds or animals for sport, or the area of land where they do thison a shootThe royal party was on a shoot when the incident occurred.beoccur4green shoots (of recovery) British English the first sign that a situation is improving, especially an economic situation
shootinterjectionCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesshootshootshoot3 interjection American English informalDate: 1900-2000Origin: Used to avoid saying shit used to show that you are annoyed or disappointed about something:
Oh, shoot! I forgot to buy milk.forget
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: pullian Verb form1move something towards you [intransitive and transitive]PULL to use your hands to make something or someone move towards you or in the direction that your hands are moving OPP push:
Mom! Davey’s pulling my hair!pullpull somebody/something into/away from/over etc somethingHe pulled her down into her seat.pullpull something open/shutShe pulled open the door and hurried inside.pullhurry2remove [transitive]PULL to use force to take something from the place where it is fixed or held: She has to have two teeth pulled.havetoothpullpull something out/off/away etcVicky had pulled the arm off her doll.havepull3make something follow you [transitive]PULL to be attached to something or hold something and make it move behind you in the direction you are going: a tractor pulling a trailerpull4take something out [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to take something out of a bag, pocket etc with your hand: He pulled out his wallet and said ‘let me pay’.pullsayBen pulled a pen from his pocket.pullpull a gun/knife (on somebody) (=take one out, ready to use it)5clothing [transitive always + adverb/preposition]PULL to put on or take off a piece of clothing, usually quicklypull on/off/up/down etcHe pulled off his damp shirt.pull6move your body a)[I, T always + adv/prep]BACK/BACKWARDS to move your body or part of your body away from someone or somethingpull something away/freeShe tried to pull her hand free, but it was held fast.trybeholdpull something out of/from somethingShe struggled fiercely, trying to pull her arm out of his grasp.struggletrypull away/backShe pulled away from him.pull b)pull yourself up/to your feet etcPULL to hold onto something and use your strength to move your body towards it: Benny pulled himself up from the floor with difficulty.pull7muscle [transitive] to injure one of your muscles by stretching it too much during physical activity SYN strain: Paul pulled a muscle trying to lift the freezer.pulltry8pull strings to secretly use your influence with important people in order to get what you want or to help someone else: Francis pulled strings to get him out of trouble.pullstring9pull the/sb’s strings to control something or someone, especially when you are not the person who is supposed to be controlling them: It was widely believed that Montagu was secretly pulling the strings behind the Prime Minister.bebelievebepullstring10trick/crime [transitive] informal to succeed in doing something illegal or dishonest or in playing a trick on someone: The gang have pulled another bank robbery.pullHe was trying to pull a fast one (=deceive you) when he told you he’d paid.betrytellpaypull a stunt/trick/jokeDon’t you ever pull a stunt like that again!11pull sb’s legJOKE to tell someone something that is not true, as a joke: I haven’t won, have I? You’re pulling my leg.winpull12pull the other one (it’s got bells on) British English spokenJOKE used to tell someone that you think they are joking or not telling the truth: Your dad’s a racing driver? Pull the other one!race13switch [transitive]PULL to move a control such as a switch, lever, or trigger towards you to make a piece of equipment work: She raised the gun, and pulled the trigger.raisepull14pull the curtains/blinds to open or close curtains or blinds: It was already getting dark so he pulled the curtains.begetpullcurtain15crowd/votes etc [transitive]GET if an event, performer etc pulls crowds or a politician pulls a lot of votes, a lot of people come to see them or vote for them: Muhammad Ali can still pull the crowds.crowd16attract/influence [transitive] to attract or influence someone or their thoughts or feelings: The city’s reputation for a clean environment has pulled new residents from other states.havepullresidentstate17sexually attract [intransitive and transitive] British English spokenSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to attract someone in order to have sex with them or spend the evening with them: He knew he could pull any girl he wanted.knowcanwant18stop event [transitive] to stop a planned event from taking place: They pulled the concert.pull19pull sb’s licence informal to take away someone’s licence to do something, especially to drive a car, because they have done something wrong20stop a vehicle [intransitive and transitive] to drive a vehicle somewhere and stop, or to make a vehicle gradually slow down and stoppull something into/towards/down etc somethingShe pulled the car into a side street.pullThe bus pulled to a halt.pull21car [intransitive] if a car pulls to the left or right as you are driving, it moves in that direction because of a problem with its machinery22something is like pulling teeth used to say that it is very difficult or unpleasant to persuade someone to do something: Getting him to do his homework is like pulling teeth.getbepulltooth23beer [transitive] British English to get beer out of a barrel by pulling a handle: The barman laughed and began to pull a couple of pints.laughbeginpint24pull a punchHIT to deliberately hit someone with less force than you could do, so that it hurts less → not pull any punches at punch2(6)25cricket/golf/baseball [intransitive and transitive] to hit the ball in cricket, golf, or baseball so that it does not go straight but moves to one side26row a boat [intransitive and transitive] to make a boat move by using oars → pull/make a face at face1(2), → pull your finger out at finger1(12), → pull rank (on somebody) at rank1(5), → pull the rug (out) from under sb’s feet at rug(3), → pull the plug (on something) at plug1(5), → pull your socks up at sock1(3), → pull your weight at weight1(12), → pull the wool over sb’s eyes at wool(4)THESAURUSpull to make something or someone move in the direction that your hands are moving: He pulled her towards him and kissed her.pullkiss | Sam was pulling on his socks.bepullsocktug to pull something suddenly with a short quick movement, often to get someone’s attention: ‘Look,’ he said, tugging at his brother’s sleeve.saytug | I tugged at the drawer but it wouldn’t open.tugdrag to pull something along the ground, especially because it is heavy: If we can’t lift the piano, we’ll have to drag it.haul to pull something big and heavy using a lot of effort, especially upwards and using a rope: They hauled their boats further up the beach.haulboatfar | fishermen hauling in their netsfishermanhaulnetheave to pull or lift something very heavy, especially with one movement: He heaved the sack of sand onto his shoulder.heavedraw formal to pull something or someone gently in a particular direction: Lisa reached for his hand but he drew it away.reachdrawpull to be attached to a vehicle or piece of machinery and make it move behind you in the direction you are going: Ten dogs were pulling a sledge over the ice.dogbepull | a tractor pulling a ploughpulltow to pull a vehicle behind – used about a vehicle, a boat, or a horse pulling something using a rope or chain: The car in front of us was towing a caravan.betow | Horses were used to tow the boats along the canals.horsebeuseboatcanaldraw to pull a vehicle such as a carriage – used especially about horses doing this: a carriage drawn by four horsesdrawhorse | a horse-drawn cartdrawpull ahead phrasal verb if one vehicle pulls ahead of another, it gets in front of it by moving faster: Schumacher pulled ahead of Montoya as the two drivers approached the first corner of the race.pulldriverapproachpull apart phrasal verb1pull something ↔ apart to separate something into pieces: Pull the meat apart with two forks.fork2SAD/UNHAPPYpull somebody ↔ apart to make the relationships between people in a group bad or difficult: His drinking pulled the family apart.drinkpull3pull something ↔ apart to carefully examine or criticize something: The selection committee pulled each proposal apart.pull4SEPARATEpull somebody/something ↔ apart to separate people or animals when they are fighting: The fight ended only when the referee pulled the two players apart.endpullplayer5if something pulls apart, it breaks into pieces when you pull on itpull at/on something phrasal verb1PULLto take hold of something and pull it several times: Mary was pulling nervously at her hair.bepull2SMOKEto take smoke from a pipe or cigarette into your lungs: He pulled hard on the cigarette.pull3to take a long drink from a bottle or glasspull away phrasal verb1LEAVE A PLACEto start to drive away from a place where you had stopped: He waved as he pulled away.wavepull2to move ahead of a competitor by going faster or being more successfulpull away fromNkoku is pulling away from the other runners.bepullrunnerpull back phrasal verb1to decide not to do or become involved in somethingpull back fromIn the end, he pulled back from financing the film.pullfinance2to get out of a bad situation or dangerous place, or to make someone else do thispull back fromMany banks are pulling back from international markets.bankbepullmarketpull somebody ↔ backThey are preparing to pull back their forces.beprepareforce3pull something ↔ back British English if a team that is losing pulls back a goal or some points, it succeeds in scoring a goal or some points: Our play improved and we pulled back two goals.improvepullgoalpull down phrasal verb1pull something ↔ downDESTROY to destroy something or make it stop existing: My old school was pulled down.bepull2pull down something to earn a particular amount of money: Real estate stocks pulled down total returns of 35.7 percent.stockpullreturn3pull somebody downWORSE to make someone less successful, happy, or healthy: Her problems have really pulled her down.problempull4pull down a menu to make a computer program show you a list of the things it can dopull for somebody/something phrasal verb informal to encourage a person or team to succeed: The crowd were pulling for me to do well.bepullpull in phrasal verb1if a driver pulls in, they move to the side of the road and stop: She pulled in to let the ambulance pass.pull2if a train pulls in, it arrives at a station OPP pull out3pull somebody/something ↔ inGET to attract business, money, people etc: a publicity stunt to pull in the crowdscrowd4pull in something informalEARN if you pull in a lot of money, you earn it5pull somebody ↔ in if a police officer pulls someone in, they take them to a police station because they think that person may have done something wrongpull off phrasal verb1SUCCEED IN DOING STHpull something ↔ off informal to succeed in doing something difficult: The goalkeeper pulled off six terrific saves.pullsave2pull off (something) to drive a car off a road in order to stop, or to turn into a smaller road: We pulled off the road to get some food.pullpull on something phrasal verb to pull at somethingpull out phrasal verb1a)to drive onto a road from another road or from where you have stopped: Don’t pull out! There’s something coming.come b)to drive over to a different part of the road in order to get past a vehicle in front of you: I pulled out to overtake a bus.pull2if a train pulls out, it leaves a station OPP pull in3to stop doing or being involved in something, or to make someone do this: McDermott pulled out with an injury at the last minute.pullpull out ofThey are trying to pull out of the agreement.betrypull somebody out of somethingHe threatened to pull his son out of the team.threaten4to get out of a bad situation or dangerous place, or to make someone or something do this: Jim saw that the firm was going to be ruined, so he pulled out.seebegoruinpullpull somebody/something ↔ outMost of the troops have been pulled out.troopbepullpull out ofwhen the country was still pulling out of a recessionbepull → pull out all the stops at stop2(7)pull over phrasal verb to drive to the side of the road and stop your car, or to make someone else do this: The policeman signalled to him to pull over.signalpull somebody/something ↔ overHe pulled the car over.pullA cop pulled him over and gave him a speeding ticket.pullgivespeedpull (somebody) through phrasal verb1SURVIVEto stay alive after you have been very ill or badly injured, or to help someone do this: His injuries are severe but he’s expected to pull through.injurybeexpect → bring (somebody) through at bring2SUCCEED IN DOING STHto succeed in doing something very difficult, or to help someone to do this: He relied on his experience to pull him through.relypull together phrasal verb1TRY TO DO OR GET STHif a group of people pull together, they all work hard to achieve something: If we all pull together, we’ll finish on time.2pull yourself togetherCONTROL to force yourself to stop behaving in a nervous, frightened, or uncontrolled way: With an effort Mary pulled herself together.pull3pull something togetherIMPROVE to improve something by organizing it more effectively: We need an experienced manager to pull the department together.experiencepull up phrasal verb1to stop the vehicle that you are driving: He pulled up in front of the gates.pullgate2pull up a chair/stool etcSIT to get a chair etc and sit down next to someone who is already sitting3pull somebody up especially British EnglishTELL SB OFF to stop someone who is doing something wrong and tell them you do not approvepull somebody up onI felt I had to pull her up on her lateness.feelhave → pull somebody up short at short2(7)
pullnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespullpullspullpull2 noun
1act of moving something [countable] an act of using force to move something towards you or in the same direction that you are moving OPP push: He gave her a sharp pull forward.give2force [countable usually singular] a strong physical force that makes things move in a particular direction: the gravitational pull of the moon3attraction [countable usually singular]WANT the ability to attract someone or have a powerful effect on thempull ofAfter about a year I gave in to the pull of fatherhood.give4influence [singular, uncountable] informalADVANTAGE special influence or power over other people: His family’s name gives him a lot of pull in this town.give5climb [singular] British EnglishCLIMB a difficult climb up a steep road: It was a long pull up the hill.be6muscle [countable usually singular] an injury to one of your muscles, caused by stretching it too much during exercise: a groin pull7smoke/drink [countable]SMOKE an act of taking the smoke from a cigarette, pipe etc into your lungs or of taking a long drink of somethingpull on/atShe took a long pull on her cigarette.take8handle [countable] a rope or handle that you use to pull something: He popped the ring pull on another can of lager.pop9cricket/golf/baseball [countable] a way of hitting the ball in cricket, golf, or baseball so that it does not go straight, but moves to one side10on the pull British English informal trying to find someone who will take part in sexual activity with you
noun (plural copies)Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: copie, from Latin copia; → COPIOUS 1[countable]COPY something that is made to be exactly like another thingcopy of
She forwarded them a copy of her British passport.forwardThis chair is a copy of an original design.beBe sure to make copies of all the documents.copydocumentback-up copies of your filescopyfile2[countable] one of many books, magazines, records etc that are all exactly the samecopy ofWe have six copies of the movie to give away.copya copy of the local newspaperThe hardback costs £16.99 a copy.costThe record sold a million copies.sellcopyFree copies are available on request.copybe3[uncountable] technical something written in order to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, advertisement etc: Now that I’ve seen the finished copy, I’m delighted.seefinishdelight4good copy informalNEWS interesting news: The interviews made good copy and helped with the film’s publicity.interviewmakehelp → fair copy, hard copy, soft copyCOLLOCATIONSverbsbe a copy of something The rug is a copy of a fine Chinese carpet.bemake a copy of something Make a copy of the letter before you send it.keep a copy of something (also retain a copy of something formal) Did you keep a copy of the email?dosend/receive a copy of something Could you send me a copy of the agreement?canattach a copy of something (=in an email) I’m attaching a copy of the schedule.attachADJECTIVES/NOUN + copy a good copy (=one that is very like the original) The painting is a good copy of the original.paintbea close copy (=a good copy) It is a close copy of a bronze figure found in Iceland.befinda back-up copy (=made in case the original is lost) Be sure you regularly make back-up copies of your data.copydatum
copyverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescopycopiescopiedcopyingcopycopy2 S2 verb (past tense and past participle copied, present participle copying, third person singular copies)Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]COPY to deliberately make or produce something that is exactly like another thing: Could you copy this letter and send it out, please?canTo copy a file, press F3.copy (something) from somethinga design copied from an 18th-century wallpapercopyThe pupils just copy from textbooks and learn facts.pupiltextbookfactcopy something into somethingHe copied the number into his notebook (=wrote the same number there).copynumb2[transitive]IMITATE to deliberately do something that someone else has done or behave like someone else: Children often copy what they see on television.childI found myself copying him and his mannerisms.findcopymannerism3[intransitive and transitive]COPY to cheat in an examination, schoolwork etc by looking at someone else’s work and writing the same thing as they havecopy fromJeremy had copied from the girl next to him.havecopyTHESAURUScopy to deliberately make or produce something that is exactly like another thing: You could copy the files onto a CD.canfile | Many people have tried to copy his paintings.trypaintingphotocopy to copy a piece of paper with writing or pictures on it, using a machine: I’ll photocopy the letter and give it to you.reproduce to print a copy of a picture or document, especially in a book or newspaper: The image has been reproduced in many magazines and newspapers around the world.havebereproducemagazinenewspaperforge to illegally copy something written or printed: He forged my signature.forge | forged £10 notesforgenotepirate to illegally copy and sell something such as a book, video, DVD, or computer program: The survey suggests that 27% of software in the UK has been pirated.suggesthavebepiratecopy something ↔ down phrasal verb to write something down exactly as it was said or written: I must have copied your number down wrong.copynumbcopy somebody in phrasal verb to send someone a copy of an email message you are sending to someone elsecopy somebody in onCan you copy me in on the memo you’re sending to Chris?sendcopy something ↔ out phrasal verb COPYto write something again exactly as it is written in the document that you are looking at: The monks copied their manuscripts out by hand.monkcopymanuscriptcopy something ↔ up phrasal verb British English to write something again in a better or neater form SYN write up: It is important to copy up your notes soon after the lecture.benote
adjectiveDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: gai ‘happy’ 1HOMOSEXUALif someone, especially a man, is gay, they are sexually attracted to people of the same sex SYN homosexual → straight, lesbian:
the gay community in Londongay men and lesbiansmanlesbiana gay bara campaigner for gay rights (=equal treatment for gay people)right2old-fashioned bright or attractive: gay colourscolour3old-fashionedHAPPY cheerful and excited: She felt excited and quite gay.feelexcite4with gay abandonCARELESS in a careless way, without careful thought—gaynessgaynessesgayness noun [uncountable] → gaily, gaiety
gaynounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusCorpus examplesgaygaysgaygay2 noun [countable] HOMOSEXUALsomeone who is homosexual, especially a man
nounWord familyLanguage: Old English
1DIE a)[uncountable] the end of the life of a person or animaldeath ofThe death of his mother came as a tremendous shock.comeCancer is the leading cause of death in women.beleadwomanHow Danielle met her death (=died) will probably never be known.meetknowHis friend was close to death.beHis family are still mourning John’s tragic death.bemournthe anniversary of Lenin’s deathbleed/burn/starve etc to deatha homeless man who froze to deathfreezebeat/stab/shoot etc somebody to deathThe 76-year-old pensioner was beaten to death.bebeatput/sentence/condemn somebody to death (=kill someone or decide they should be killed as an official punishment)Legend has it that Sarah was put to death for practising witchcraft.havebepractiseMembers of the family have received death threats.memberreceivethreatHe remained president until his untimely death (=death at a surprisingly young age).remainTwo of the passengers managed to escape death (=avoid being killed).passengermanage b)[countable]DIE a particular case when someone dies OPP birth: a campaign to reduce the number of traffic deathsnumbdeathdeath fromdeaths from cancerdeathI heard there’d been a death in the family.hearbe2FINISH/COME TO AN ENDthe death of something the permanent end of something OPP birth: The latest bombing is the death of all our hopes.latebombbehopeThese regulations could spell the death (=lead to the end) of the American car industry.regulationcan3to death informal a)used to emphasize that a feeling or emotion is very strongbe bored/scared/frightened etc to deathShe was scared to death of what might happen next.bescareI’m absolutely sick to death of it (=very angry, bored, or unhappy about something).bore/scare/love etc somebody to deathHe drove at a speed which frightened Leonora to death.drivefrightenShe used to worry me to death.use b)used to say that an action is continued with a lot of effort and for as long as possible: They just work you to death in that place.4do something to death informal to perform or present an idea, joke etc so often that people become tired of it: Most of his material has been done to death by numerous comedians.havebedocomedian5to the death a)FIGHTuntil someone is dead: They will fight to the death rather than give an inch of ground.grindsoldiers locked in a struggle to the deathsoldierlock b)DETERMINEDuntil you achieve something even if it means that you suffer: The leadership election has become a fight to the death.have6DeathDIE a creature that looks like a human skeleton, used in paintings, stories etc to represent the fact that people die7be at death’s doorILL to be very ill and likely to die8look/feel like death warmed up British English, look/feel like death warmed over American English informalILL to look or feel very ill or tired9you’ll catch your death (of cold) spoken old-fashionedILL used to warn someone that they are likely to become ill because they are wet or cold10somebody will be the death of me spoken old-fashionedWORRIED used to say that someone is causing you a lot of worry and problems: That boy will be the death of me! → Black Death, → kiss of death at kiss2(3), → life and death at life(10)COLLOCATIONSverbscause death We still don't know what caused his death.causelead to/result in death Any delay in calling an ambulance may have resulted in her death.callresultbleed/freeze/burn/starve to death Thousands of people are starving to death.bestarvestab/beat/kick somebody to death He was stabbed to death in an attack outside his home.bestabsentence/condemn somebody to death (=decide someone must die as an official punishment) Two men were sentenced to death for the killings.manbesentencekillingbe put to death (=be killed as a punishment for something you have done) The rebels were defeated and their leaders put to death.rebelbedefeatleaderescape death (=avoid being killed) He fell while climbing in the mountains, and only narrowly escaped death.fallclimbmountainescapemeet your death formal (=die) He met his death tragically while on holiday in Greece.meetmourn somebody's death (=feel very sad after someone has died) The entertainment world was last night mourning the actor's death.bemournadjectivessudden death Her sudden death shocked the world.shocktragic death Her family are trying to come to terms with Anna's tragic death.betrytermearly death (=at a young age) Paul's first marriage ended with the early death of his wife.enduntimely death formal (=at a young age) He remained President until his untimely death in 2004.remainpremature death technical (=earlier than people usually die) The disease is a significant cause of premature death in the developing world.bedevelopaccidental death (=caused by accident, not deliberately) The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.returnviolent death (=caused by violence, especially deliberately) There is a high rate of violent death in America.becertain death (=definitely going to happen) Many of the prisoners faced certain death.prisonerfacedeath + NOUNthe death penalty (=the legal punishment of death) In the west, most countries have abolished the death penalty.countryabolishthe death sentence (=the legal punishment of death) Because of his young age, the judge decided not to impose the death sentence.decidethe death rate (=the number of people who die each year from something) The death rate from heart attacks is about 50% higher for smokers.attackbehighsmokerthe death toll (=the number of people who die in an accident) Officials fear the death toll could be as high as 3000.officialcana death threat (=a threat to kill someone deliberately) The writer had received a number of death threats.havereceivenumbthreatphrasesthe cause of death The cause of death was a bullet in his chest.bea sentence of death (=the official punishment of death for a crime) There were strong protests against the sentence of death.beprotest
adjective (comparative cheaper, superlative cheapest)
Date: 1500-1600Origin: good cheap ‘at a good price, cheaply’, from cheap ‘trade, price’ (11-18 centuries), from Old English ceap 1low priceCHEAP not at all expensive, or lower in price than you expected OPP expensive:
cheap rail faresfarethe cheapest TV on the marketcheapProperty is cheaper in Spain than here.becheapa cheap shop (=one that sells goods cheaply)The equipment is relatively cheap and simple to use.beThis coat was dirt cheap (= very cheap - an informal expression)becheap and cheerful British English (=simple and not expensive, but of reasonable quality)a cheap and cheerful Italian restaurant2bad qualityCHEAP low in price and quality: Cheap wine gives me a headache.givecheap jewelleryThe furniture looked cheap and nasty.looka cheap imitation of the real thing3not expensive to useCHEAP not costing much to use or to employ SYN inexpensivecheap to run/use/maintain etcGas appliances are usually cheaper to run than electric ones.appliancebecheaponeFor the employer, a part-time workforce means a cheap labour supply.mean4not deserving respectUNKIND showing a lack of honesty, moral principles, or sincere feelings, so that you do not deserve respect: She felt cheap and stupid, like a naughty child caught stealing.feelcatchstealYou’re lying, aren’t you? You’re so cheap.lieHis remark was a cheap shot at short people.beshootanother cheap political stuntIt was nothing but a cheap trick (=unkind trick).be5not generous American English not liking to spend money SYN mean British English: She’s too cheap to take a cab.6cheap thrill excitement that does not take much effort to get: Bella will sleep with anyone for a cheap thrill.7life is cheapDIE used to say that it is not important if people die8USEFULcheap at the price/at any price British English, cheap at twice the price so good, useful, or desirable that the cost is not important—cheaplycheaply adverb: a cheaply furnished roomfurnishThey lived as cheaply as possible.live—cheapnesscheapnessescheapness noun [uncountable]: the relative cheapness of housinghouseTHESAURUScheap costing very little money, or less than you expected: My shoes were really cheap – they only cost £25.shoebe | The cheapest way to get to Chicago is to take the bus.cheapbe | cheap flightsflightlow low prices, rents, and fees do not cost a lot of money. Do not use cheap with these words: Why is the share price so low?be | You could get equally good accommodation elsewhere at a lower rent.canlowrendinexpensive especially written not expensive – use this especially about things that are of good quality, even though they do not cost a lot: The furniture is inexpensive, but well made.bemake | a simple inexpensive meal | a hotel that offers air-conditioned rooms at relatively inexpensive pricesofferconditionroompricereasonable a reasonable price seems fair because it is not too high: The restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices.serveprice | Only £25 a night? That sounds reasonable.soundeconomical cheap because you do not need to use a lot of money or fuel: an economical car | It is usually more economical to buy in large quantities.bequantityaffordable cheap enough for most people to be able to buy or pay for: affordable housinghouse | Single mothers often have trouble finding affordable childcare.motherfind | The shop sells designer fashions at affordable prices.sellfashionpricecompetitive competitive prices and rates are as low as those charged by other shops or companies: I think you’ll find our prices are extremely competitive.pricebe | The hotel offers a high standard of service at very competitive rates.offerratebudget [only before noun] budget flights, airlines, hotels etc have specially low prices: You can get a budget flight to Amsterdam for only £19. | a list of budget hotels for under $50 a nighthotel | budget accommodation for families with young childrenfamilychildbe good/great value to be worth at least the price you pay for it, so that you feel pleased and think you have spent your money well: The meals at Charlie’s Pizza are really good value.mealbe | The holiday is great value for money.bebe a bargain informal to be extremely cheap: I got this shirt when I was in Indonesia. It was a real bargain.getbebeCOLLOCATIONS CHECKlow price/cost/rent/fee/chargereasonable price/costeconomical car/way/methodaffordable accommodation/housing/pricecompetitive price/ratebudget flight/airline/hotel/accommodation
cheapadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescheapcheapcheap2 adverb CHEAPat a low price: Air fares to Africa don’t come cheap (=are expensive).fareI bought this house because it was going cheap (=selling for a lower price than usual).buybegoShe used to get meat cheap at the butcher’s.usebutchThey’re selling linen off cheap in Lewis’s.sell
cheapnounCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriescheapcheapscheapcheap3 noun on the cheap spending less money than is needed to do something properly: A clean environment cannot be had on the cheap.haveholidaying on the cheapholiday
verb (past tense and past participle hung /hʌŋ/)
Word familyVerb form1top part fastened a)[transitive always + adverb/preposition] (also hang up)ATTACH to put something in a position so that the top part is fixed or supported, and the bottom part is free to move and does not touch the ground: Philip hung his coat on a hook behind the door.hangShe hung the sheets on the washing line.hangsheetwash b)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]DOWN to be in a position where the top part is fixed or supported, and the bottom part is free to move and does not touch the ground: An old-fashioned gas lamp hung from the ceiling.fashionhangHer long hair hung loose about her shoulders.hangshoulderThe shirt hung down almost to his ankles.hangankle2picture etc a)[transitive] to fix a picture, photograph etc to a wall: I wanted to hang the picture in the hall.want b)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]ATTACH if a picture, photograph etc is hanging somewhere, it is fixed to a wall: There was a family photograph hanging on the wall.behang c)be hung with somethingSHOW/LET SB SEE STH if the walls of a room are hung with pictures or decorations, the pictures etc are on the walls: The entrance hall was hung with rich tapestries.behangtapestry3kill/be killed (past tense and past participle hanged) [intransitive and transitive]KILL to kill someone by dropping them with a rope around their neck, or to die in this way, especially as a punishment for a serious crimebe hanged for somethingHe was hanged for murder.behanghang yourselfCorey hanged himself in his prison cell.hangIf he is found guilty, he will almost certainly hang.befind4paper [transitive] to fasten attractive paper to a wall in order to decorate a room: We spent the afternoon hanging wallpaper.spendhang5door [transitive]ATTACH to fasten a door in position: Hanging a door is quite a tricky job.hangbe6mist/smoke/smell [intransitive + adverb/preposition]STAY/NOT LEAVE if something such as smoke hangs in the air, it stays in the air for a long time: The smoke from the bonfires hung in the air.bonfirehangA thick mist hung over the town.hang7hang open if a door, someone’s mouth etc hangs open, it is open8hang in the balanceUNCERTAIN if something hangs in the balance, it is not certain what will happen to it: The future of the company hangs in the balance.hang9hang by a threadDANGEROUS if something is hanging by a thread, it is in a very dangerous situation and may not continue: He is still in hospital, his life hanging by a thread.behang10hang (on) in there (also hang tough especially American English spoken)DETERMINED to remain brave and determined when you are in a difficult situation: Don’t worry. Just hang on in there.11hang your headASHAMEDEMBARRASSED to look ashamed and embarrassed: She hung her head, not sure how to reply.hangDaphne had hung her head in shame.havehang12hang fireDELAY to wait for a short while before you do something: I think we should hang fire for a week.shall13DECIDEleave something hanging in the air to leave something in a situation where it has not been explained, completed, or dealt with: His resignation has left some important questions hanging in the air.haveleavequestionhang14hang a right/left American English spokenTURN to turn right or left when driving: Go straight on for two blocks, then hang a left.blockleave15[intransitive] American English spoken to spend time somewhere, relaxing and enjoying yourselfhang withWe were just hanging with the dudes at Mike’s house.behangdude16I’ll be hanged if British English old-fashionedANNOY used to express annoyance or to say that you will not allow something to happen: I’ll be hanged if I’ll give them any money!hang17hang it (all) British English old-fashionedDISAPPOINTEDANNOY used to say that you are disappointed or annoyed about something18hang something British English old-fashionedNOT DO STH used to say that you are not going to do something: Oh hang the report, let’s go for a drink.19I/you might as well be hanged for a sheep as (for) a lamb used to say that, if a small action may have the same bad results for you as a larger one, there is no reason for not doing the larger thinghang about phrasal verb British English1spokenSLOW to move slowly or take too long doing something: Come on, we haven’t got time to hang about!get2hang about (something)SPEND TIME to spend time somewhere without any real purpose: There were always groups of boys hanging about in the square.begroupboyhangHe normally hung about the house all day.hang3hang about! spoken a)WAITSTOP DOING STHused to ask someone to wait or stop what they are doing b)used when you have just noticed or thought of something that is interesting or wrong: Hang about – that can’t be right.hang about with somebody phrasal verb British English informal SPEND TIMEto spend a lot of time with someonehang around/round (something) phrasal verb informal WAITto wait or spend time somewhere, doing nothing: I hung around the station for an hour but he never came.hangcomehang around with somebody phrasal verb SPEND TIMEto spend a lot of time with someone: The people I used to hang around with were much older than me.usebeoldhang back phrasal verb1to stay a short distance away from someone or something, and not go too near them: Instinctively he hung back in the shelter of a rock.hang2WILLINGto not say or do something because you are shy or afraidhang on phrasal verb1HOLDto hold something tightlyhang on toShe hung on to the side of the cart.hangHang on tight!2hang on! British English spoken a)WAITused to ask or tell someone to wait SYN hold on: Hang on! I’ll be back in a minute. b)used when you have just noticed or thought of something that is interesting or wrong3DEPEND/IT DEPENDShang on something to depend on something: Everything hangs on the outcome of this meeting.hangmeet4hang on sb’s words/every wordATTENTION to pay close attention to everything someone is saying: She was watching his face, hanging on his every word.bewatchhanghang on to something (also hang onto somethinghang onto something) phrasal verb KEEP/CONTINUE TO HAVEto keep something: I think I’ll hang on to the documents for a bit longer.documentbitelonghang out phrasal verb1informalSPEND TIME to spend a lot of time in a particular place or with particular peoplehang out withI don’t really know who she hangs out with.hangWhere do the youngsters hang out?youngster → hangout2hang something ↔ out to hang clothes outside in order to dry them: My job was to hang out the washing.bewashHang the wet things out to dry.thing3let it all hang out informalRELAXED to relax and do what you likehang over something/somebody phrasal verb PROBABLYif something bad is hanging over you, you are worried or anxious about it: The threat of redundancy was still hanging over us.behangIt’s not very nice to have huge debts hanging over your head.debthanghang together phrasal verb1ORGANIZEif a plan, story, set of ideas etc hangs together, it is well organized and its different parts go well together: Her story just doesn’t hang together.2HELPif people hang together, they help each otherhang up phrasal verb1TELEPHONEto finish a telephone conversation: I said goodbye and hung up.sayhanghang up onDon’t hang up on me.2hang something ↔ up to hang clothes on a hook etc: She took her coat off and hung it up.takehang3hang up your hat/football boots/briefcase etc informalLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to stop doing a particular kind of work → hang-up, hung-up
hangnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleshanghangshanghang2 noun get the hang of something informalLEARN to learn how to do something or use something: It seems difficult at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.seem
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: eorthe
1world (also Earth)WORLD [singular, uncountable] the planet that we live on: the planet Earththe earthThe earth revolves around the sun.revolvethe earth’s surface/atmosphere/crust etc71% of the earth’s surface is sea.beon earththe origin of life on Earth2soil [uncountable] the substance that plants grow in SYN soilsoft/bare/damp etc earthfootprints in the wet earthfootprinta lump of earth3land [uncountable]LAND/GROUND the hard surface of the world, as opposed to the sea or air SYN ground: The earth shook.shakeThey watched the kite fall back to earth.watch4what/why/how etc on earth ...? spokenSURPRISED used to ask a question when you are very surprised or angry: What on earth did you do that for?do5cost/pay/charge the earth informalEXPENSIVE to cost etc a very large amount of money: It must have cost the earth!6the biggest/tallest/most expensive etc ... on earthMOST the biggest etc example of something that exists: the most powerful man on earth7religion [uncountable] used in religion to refer to the time when people are alive as opposed to being in heaven or hell: Jesus’ time on earth → move heaven and earth at heaven(9), → hell on earth at hell1(2)8come back/down to earth (with a bump)REAL/NOT IMAGINARY to stop behaving or living in a way that is not practical: She soon brought him back down to earth.bring9no ... /nothing on earthNONE/NOTHING used to emphasize that you mean nothing at all: Nothing on earth would have persuaded me to go.willpersuadeThere’s no reason on earth why you should tell him.shall10look/feel etc like nothing on earth British EnglishSTRANGE to look or feel very strange: The next morning I felt like nothing on earth.feel11electricity [countable usually singular] British English a wire that makes a piece of electrical equipment safe by connecting it with the ground SYN ground American English12animal’s home [countable] the hole where a wild animal such as a fox lives → den, lair13go to earth British EnglishHIDE/MAKE IT HARD TO FIND OR SEE to hide in order to escape from someone who is chasing you SYN go to ground14run somebody/something to earth British EnglishFIND to find someone, especially by looking in many places → down-to-earth, → promise somebody the moon/the earth at promise1(3), → the salt of the earth at salt1(2)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1nounsthe Earth’s surface Over seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by ocean.becoverthe Earth’s crust Volcanoes and earthquakes occur where there is movement in the Earth’s crust.volcanoearthquakebethe Earth’s core (=central part) The Earth’s inner core is almost entirely composed of iron.becomposethe Earth’s mantle (=parts around the central core) the incredibly high temperatures and pressures deep within Earth’s mantletemperaturepressurethe Earth’s atmosphere The Earth’s atmosphere blocks off all radiation from space other than light and radio waves.blockwavethe Earth’s gravity the continual pull of the Earth’s gravity on the Moon.the Earth’s orbit The rocket left the Earth's orbit and set off to Mars.leavemarthe Earth’s rotation Has the Earth’s rotation always been the same?havebethe Earth’s axis Over thousands of years, the direction of Earth’s axis slowly changes.yearchangethe Earth’s climate The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has an influence on the Earth’s climate.haveverbsorbit The Earth orbits the Sun once a year, and the Moon orbits the Earth approximately every 27 days.orbitorbitdayrevolve/rotate Because of the direction in which the Earth revolves, the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west.revolverisesetgo round/around Why does the Earth goes around the Sun?dogophrasesPlanet Earth the origin of life on Planet EarthCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivessoft The wheels got stuck in the soft earth.wheelgetstickhard It hadn’t rained for weeks and the earth was hard.rainweekbebare (=not covered by trees or grass) There were no flowers or grass, just bare earth.beflowerfertile This earth is not fertile enough to produce crops.becropfreshly-dug The poppy seeds were planted in the freshly-dug earth.seedbeplantdigmoist/damp I slipped on the damp earth and fell over.slipfallphrasesa mound of earth (=a pile of earth that looks like a small hill) A mound of earth lay beside the grave.liea clod/clump of earth (=a lump of earth) The horse’s hooves kicked up great clods of earth.hoofkickclodTHESAURUSEarth/the Earth the planet we live on - used especially when talking about this in relation to other planets and to space. Also used when talking about being on the ground as opposed to being in the sky: The Earth moves around the sun.move | The space shuttle returned to Earth safely.return | It’s the highest mountain on Earth.highthe world the planet we live on – used when talking about all the people, countries, places etc on it: He’s one of the richest men in the world.richman | Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman to sail around the world.beland the solid dry part of the Earth’s surface: After weeks at sea, the sailors saw land.weeksailorseethe globe the world – used especially when you want to emphasize that something happens in or comes from every part of the world: a meeting of scientists from around the globemeetscientist | There has been an increase in skin cancer across the globe.havebe | The network is accessible from any point on the globe.be
earthverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesearthearthsearthedearthingearthearth2 verb [transitive]Verb form British English to make electrical equipment safe by connecting it to the ground with a wire SYN ground American English: Make sure that the machine is properly earthed.beearth
adjective [usually before noun]
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Latin duplus, from duo ‘two’ + -plus ‘multiplied by’ 1of two partsTWO consisting of two parts that are similar or exactly the same:
a double sinka double wardrobethe great double doors of the cathedraldoorDon’t park your car on double yellow lines.line2two different usesTWO combining or involving two things of the same type: a double murder caseA lot of the jokes were based on double meaning.jokebebasemean3twice as bigINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT twice as big, twice as much, or twice as many as usual: a double whiskyThe city was enclosed by walls of double thickness.beenclosewall4for two peopleTWO made for two people or things to use → single: Do you need a double bed or two singles?singlea double rooma double garage5TWOtwo letters/numbers British English spoken used to say that a particular letter or number is repeated: My name’s Robbins with a double ‘b’.The number is 869 double 2 (=86922).numbbe6flower a double flower has more than the usual number of petals → doubly
doublenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdoubledoublesdoubledouble2 noun
1twice the size [uncountable and countable]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT something that is twice as big, as much etc as usual or as something else: Scotch and water, please – make it a double.‘They offered me £10,000.’ ‘I’ll give you double.’offer2room [countable] a room for two people in a hotel → single: A double costs $95 a night.cost3tennis doubles [uncountable] a game played between two pairs of players, especially in tennis → singles: the men’s doublesmandouble → mixed doubles4baseball [countable] a hit in baseball which allows the batter to reach second base: Walker led the inning with a double.lead5similar personLIKE/SIMILARsb’s double someone who looks very like someone else: She’s her mother’s double.6in films [countable] an actor who takes the place of a more famous actor in a film, especially because the acting involves doing something dangerous: I think they used a double in the shower scene.use7at the double British English, on the double American EnglishFAST/QUICK informal very quickly and without any delay: He was told to get back to Washington on the double.betell8double or quits British English, double or nothing American English a situation in a game when you must do something that could either win you twice as much money or make you lose it all
doubleverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdoubledoublesdoubleddoublingdoubledouble3 S3 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to become twice as big or twice as much, or to make something twice as big or twice as muchdouble in size/number/value etcWithin two years the company had doubled in size.yearhavedoubleThe church has doubled its membership in the last five years.havedoubleyeardouble the size/number/amount etc (of something)A promise was given to double the number of police on duty.begivenumb2[transitive] (also double over/up)FOLD to fold something in half: Take a sheet of paper and double it over.3[intransitive] to hit the ball far enough to get to second base in a game of baseballdouble as somebody/something phrasal verb USE STHto have a second use, job, or purpose as a particular thing: The school doubled as a hospital during the war.doubledouble back phrasal verb RETURNto turn around and go back the way you have come: The driver doubled back and headed for Howard Bay.doubleheaddouble back on yourselfWe kept getting lost and having to double back on ourselves.keepgetlosehavedouble up phrasal verb1(also double over)BEND to suddenly bend over at the waist because you are laughing so much or are in pain: Emilio doubled over, grabbing his leg.doublegrabbe doubled up/over with laughter/pain etcBoth the girls were doubled up with laughter.girlbedouble2SHAREto share something, especially a bedroomdouble up withYou’ll have to double up with Susie while your aunt is here.be
doubleadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdoubledoubledouble4 adverb be bent doubleBEND to be bent over a long way: The trees were almost bent double in the wind.treebebend → see double at see1(29)
doublepredeterminerCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesdoubledoubledouble5 predeterminer INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNTtwice as big, twice as much, or twice as manydouble the amount/number/size etcWe’ll need double this amount for eight people.The value of the house is double what it was.bebe
noun [countable]
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: chanel, from Latin canalis; → CANAL 1televisionTELEVISION/RADIO a television station and all the programmes that it broadcasts:
the news on Channel 4The kids are watching cartoons on the Disney Channel.kidbewatchcartoonWhat channel is ‘ER’ on?beHe changed channels to watch the basketball game.changechannel2for getting information/goods etcSYSTEM a system or method that you use to send or obtain information, goods, permission etc: The U.S. is working through diplomatic channels to find a solution.beworkchannelThe new software will be sold through existing distribution channels.sellexistchannelchannel ofIt is important that we open channels of communication with the police.bechannel3sea/river a)an area of water that connects two larger areas of water: St George’s Channel b)the Channel British English the area of water between France and England SYN the English Channel c)the deepest part of a river, harbour, or sea, especially where it is deep enough to allow ships to sail in4water a passage that water or other liquids flow along: an irrigation channel5radio a particular range of sound waves which can be used to send and receive radio messages6in a surfaceHOLE a long deep line cut into a surface or a long deep space between two edges SYN groove: The sliding doors fit into these plastic channels.sliddoorchannel7way to express yourselfEXPRESS a way of expressing your thoughts, feelings, or physical energy SYN vehiclechannel forArt provides a channel for the children’s creativity.providechildCOLLOCATIONStypes of channel a television channel NTV is Russia’s leading television channel.beleada news/movie/sports etc channel What’s on the movie channel tonight?a satellite channel (=using signals sent from a machine in space) CNN and other satellite channelschannela cable channel (=using signals sent through a wire) ABC announced its plans for a new cable channel.announceplana terrestrial channel (=not using satellite) Channel 5 is the newest terrestrial channel in the UK.benewa digital channel (=using electronic signals sent out in the form of numbers) You can’t record one digital channel while watching another.watcha commercial channel (=paid for by people advertising on it) On commercial channels they have advertisement breaks.channelbreakverbschange channels Use the remote control to change channels.channelswitch channels He kept switching channels.keepswitchchannellaunch a channel (=start a channel broadcasting on TV) In 1994, SKY launched two new channels.launchchannelwatch a channel The kids are always watching the cartoon channel.kidbewatcha channel broadcasts something All the channels are broadcasting the match live.channelbebroadcastchannel-hop (=keep changing from one channel to another) I usually start channel-hopping when the adverts are on.hopadvertbe
channelverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleschannelchannelschannelledchanneledchannellingchannelingchannelchannel2 AC verb (past tense and past participle channelled, present participle channelling British English, channeled, channeling American English) [transitive]Verb form1CONTROLto control and direct something such as money or energy towards a particular purpose SYN directchannel something into somethingMost of his energy was channeled into writing and lecturing.bechannelwritelecturechannel something to somebodyProfits are channelled to conservation groups.profitbechannelgroupchannel something through somethingThe famine relief money was channelled through the UN.bechannel2to control or direct people or things to a particular place, work, situation etcchannel somebody/something into somethingWomen were likely to be channeled into jobs as teachers or nurses.womanbechanneljobteachernurseDrugs from government pharmacies were being channeled into illegal drug markets.drugpharmacybebechannelmarket3CUTto cut a long deep line in something: Water had channelled grooves in the rock.havechannelgroove4SENDto send water through a passage: An efficient irrigation system channels water to the crops.channelcrop5to allow a spirit to come into your body and speak through you, or to tell people a message that you have received in this way: She claims to channel the spirit of a 2,000-year-old hunter.claim6to look or sound like a famous person, especially someone who is dead: In her latest video, Kylie is channelling Marilyn Monroe.latebechannel
verb (past tense chose /tʃəʊz $ tʃoʊz/, past participle chosen /ˈtʃəʊzən $ ˈtʃoʊ-/) [intransitive and transitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: ceosan Verb form1DECIDEto decide which one of a number of things or people you want → choice:
It took us ages to choose a new carpet.takeageA panel of judges will choose the winner.judgeHe chose his words carefully as he spoke.choosewordspeakI don’t mind which one we have – you choose.choose betweenFor pudding we could choose between ice cream and apple tart.canchoose fromYou can choose from a wide range of vehicles.vehiclechoose to do somethingI chose to learn German rather than French.choosechoose somebody/something to do somethingThey chose Donald to be their leader.choosechoose somebody/something as somethingThe company chose London as its base.choosechoose somebody/something for somethingWhy did you choose me for the job?do2DECIDEto decide to do something because that is what you prefer to dochoose to do somethingI chose to ignore his advice.chooseYou can, if you choose, invest in the stock market.3there is little/nothing to choose between somethingCHOOSE used when you think that two or more things are equally good and you cannot decide which is better: There was little to choose between the two candidates.becandidateTHESAURUSchoose to decide which one of several things you want: I chose a black dress.choose | Which dessert should I choose?shallpick to choose something, especially without thinking carefully. Pick is more informal than choose: Pick any number from one to ten.numbselect formal to choose something, especially after thinking carefully: The committee will meet to select a new chairman. | All our instructors are carefully selected.instructorbeselectopt for/go for to choose one thing instead of another: Many car buyers opt for used vehicles.buyerusevehicle | I think I’ll go for the chocolate cake.decide on to choose something from many possible things, especially when the decision has been difficult or taken a long time: Thomas had decided on a career as a writer.havedecidesingle out to choose one person or thing from a group because they are better, worse, more important etc than the others: Why should he be singled out for special treatment?shallsingle | One student was singled out for special attention.besingletake your pick especially spoken to choose anything you want, especially when there are many different things available: You can take your pick from Bodrum’s many bars and restaurants.barrestaurant
noun [countable]Word family1someone who drives a car, bus etc → chauffeur: a taxi driverDo you think you’re a good driver?2technical a piece of software that makes a computer work with another piece of equipment such as a printer or a mouse3a golf club with a wooden head → back seat driver at back seat(2), → Sunday driver at Sunday(3)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + driver a taxi/bus/truck etc driver Car drivers face a new daily charge to enter the capital.drivera racing driver (=driving racing cars in competitions) world famous racing drivers like Lewis Hamiltonracedrivera good driver He thinks he’s a very good driver.thinka careful/safe driver Since I had the accident, I’m a much more careful driver.havea bad driver There are a lot of bad drivers on the roads.bedriverroada dangerous driver Some young men tend to be dangerous drivers.mandrivera reckless driver (=taking risks and not worrying about the results) Reckless drivers should be given more severe punishments.drivershallgivepunishmenta drunken/drunk driver (=who has drunk too much alcohol) Her husband was killed by a drunken driver.bekilla hit-and-run driver (=in which a car driver hits someone and does not stop) The boy was in hospital after being knocked down by a hit-and-run driver.bebeknocka learner driver (=who is learning to drive) Learner drivers spend a lot of money on driving lessons.driverdrivelessonan experienced driver (=who has a lot of experience of driving) Young drivers are ten times more likely to be killed on the road than experienced drivers.driverbetimekillexperiencedriveran inexperienced driver (=who does not have much experience of driving) Many accidents are caused by young or inexperienced drivers.accidentbecausedrivera delivery driver (=delivering goods to a place) He’s a delivery driver for a pizza takeaway restaurant.THESAURUSdriver someone who regularly drives, or someone who is driving a car, train, etc at a particular time: Car drivers now pay more than ever for fuel.driver | The coach was badly damaged, but the driver was unhurt.bedamagebemotorist [usually plural] especially written someone who drives a car – used especially when talking about car drivers in general: increased taxes on the motoristincreasetax | Motorists who are caught speeding have to pay a heavy fine.motoristbecatchspeedchauffeur someone whose job is to drive a car for someone else: He was picked up by a chauffeur in a limousine.bepicktrucker American English informal someone who drives a truck: Mexico has no limit on how many hours truckers can drive daily.havehourtruckerroad hog informal someone who drives dangerously, without considering the safety of other people on the road, for example by not letting other drivers pass: Some road hogs drive at well below the speed limit, because they want to use their mobile phones.hogphone
nounDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: lan 1[countable]BORROW an amount of money that you borrow from a bank etcloan of
a loan of £60,000I had to take out a loan to buy my car.haveIt’ll be years before we’ve paid off the loan.yearpay2[singular]LEND when you lend something to someoneloan ofThanks for the loan of your camera.thank3on loan (from somebody/something)BORROW if something or someone is on loan, they have been borrowed: The book I wanted was out on loan.wantbepaintings on loan from the LouvrepaintingCantona initially went on loan to Leeds United.gouniteCOLLOCATIONSverbstake out a loan (=borrow money) Most home buyers take out a loan.buyerrepay/pay off/pay back a loan (=give back the money you borrowed, usually over a period of time) You can repay the loan early without a penalty.give somebody a loan I hoped to persuade my bank manager to give us a loan.hopemake a loan (=give someone a loan) Banks are cautious about making new loans.bankbemakeloanask for/apply for a loan He asked his father for a loan.askget a loan She got a loan from the bank.getsecure a loan (on something) (=agree to give the lender something if you do not pay back the loan on time) The loan was secured on his home.besecureADJECTIVES/NOUN + loana £20,000/$5,000 etc loan The company asked for a £100,000 loan.aska bank loan (=money lent by a bank) What is the interest you will pay on a bank loan?bea home/car loan (=a loan to buy a home or a car) They took out a thirty-year home loan.takea personal loan (=money lent to a person, rather than a company) If you want money for a specific purchase, you can get a personal loan.a business loan (=money lent to a business) The bank offers a range of business loans to meet the needs of small businesses.offerloanneedbusinessa student loan (=money lent to a student to pay for university) Many college graduates are paying off huge student loans.graduatebepayloana long-term/short-term loan (=to be paid back after a long/short time) I intended the money as a short-term loan.intendan interest-free loan (=on which you pay no interest) They offer an interest-free loan for two years.yeara low-interest loan a low-interest loan to the country from the International Development Associationloan + NOUNa loan repayment your monthly loan repaymentsrepaymenta loan agreement (=that says how much the loan will be, how much you will pay back each month etc) Read the terms of your loan agreement carefully.termTHESAURUSloan noun [countable] an amount of money that is borrowed, especially from a bank or company, which you agree to pay back by the end of a period of time: We took out a loan to buy a new car.take | He is paying back a $50,000 loan.bepaymortgage noun [countable] a large amount of money that someone borrows from a bank or company to buy a house: Nick told me the mortgage on his apartment is worth about $90,000.tellbe | Anyone taking out a mortgage should be aware that interest rates can go up at any time.takeshallrate | It took my parents nearly thirty years to pay off their mortgage.takeparentyearinterest noun [uncountable] money that you pay for borrowing money, especially that you pay every year or every month at a fixed rate: Credit companies charge huge amounts of interest.companyamount | What’s the interest on the loan?overdraft noun [countable] British English the amount of money that you owe to bank when you have spent more money than you had in your account: I left university with no job and a big overdraft.leave | 20% of the bank’s customers regularly use their overdraft facility.customer | You have to pay a fee for unauthorized overdrafts.overdraftdebt noun [uncountable and countable] an amount of money that a person or organization owes: The company now has debts of almost £2 million.havedebt | A lot of the money went towards paying his debts.gopaydebt | The family were $100,000 in debt (=they owed $100,000).becredit noun [uncountable] an arrangement with a shop or bank that allows you to buy something and pay for it later: We bought the furniture on credit.buy | He had a credit limit of £7,000.have
loanverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesloanloansloanedloaningloanloan2 verb [transitive]Verb form1American EnglishLEND to lend someone something, especially moneyloan somebody somethingCan you loan me $5?Jeff’s loaned us his car for the weekend.loan2(also loan out British English)LEND to lend something valuable to someone: The National Library has loaned several manuscripts.haveloanmanuscriptloan something to somebody/somethingTwo of the steam trains have been loaned to other railways.trainbeloanrailway
adjectiveWord family1[only before noun]CHOOSE an alternative idea, plan etc is different from the one you have and can be used insteadalternative ways/approach/methods etcalternative approaches to learningapproachlearnHave you any alternative suggestions?suggestionAn alternative route is along the Via Unione.be2CONVENTIONALdeliberately different from what is usual, expected, or traditionalalternative music/theatre etcTucson’s alternative radio stationsources of alternative energy (=energy produced by the sun, wind etc rather than by gas, coal etc)sourcetolerance of alternative lifestyleslifestylealternative medicine/therapies (=medical treatment that is not based on the usual western methods)Acupuncture is widely used by practitioners of alternative medicine.beusepractitioner—alternativelyalternatively adverb: You can relax on the beach or alternatively try the bustling town centre.bustle
alternativenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesalternativealternativesalternativealternative2 S2 W3 AC noun [countable]Word family CHOOSEsomething you can choose to do or use instead of something elsealternative toIs there a viable alternative to the present system?beIf payment is not received legal action will be our only alternative.bereceiveI had no alternative but to report him to the police.haveHe quickly assessed what alternatives were open to him.assessalternativebeCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa good/attractive alternative If you don’t want curtains, blinds are a good alternative.curtainblindbea possible/acceptable/satisfactory alternative I’m busy tomorrow but Wednesday is a possible alternative.bea real/serious alternative Co-operation offers the only real alternative.offera viable alternative (=that can work as successfully) Hydrogen offers a viable alternative to petrol and diesel.offera practical alternative This treatment represents a practical alternative to surgery.representa cheap alternative A take-away is a cheap alternative to eating out.beeata safe alternative Will there ever be a safe alternative to nuclear power?a healthy alternative Low-fat biscuits are a healthy alternative to cake.biscuitbeverbshave an alternative You have a few alternatives to choose from.alternativeoffer/provide an alternative If your first choice is not available, we always have alternatives to offer.bealternativesuggest an alternative Do you have an alternative you can suggest?seek an alternative People are seeking alternatives to meat-based dishes.beseekalternativebasedishfind an alternative The program is directed to finding alternatives to oil and natural gas.bedirectfindalternativephraseshave no/little alternative (but to do something) He had no alternative but to resign.haveleave somebody with no alternative (but to do something) I was left with no alternative but to seek legal advice.beleaveTHESAURUSchoice: choice of: The school seems OK, but there isn’t a great choice of courses.seemcourse | have a choice (=be able to choose from several things): With her high grades and athletic skill, Celeste had her choice of colleges.gradehavecollege | have no choice but to do something (=to be forced to do something because there is nothing else you can choose): Spooner says he had no choice but to file for bankruptcy.sayhave | wide choice (=a lot of things to choose from): There is a wide choice of hotels and hostels in the town.behotelhosteloption one of the things that you can choose to do in a particular situation: He basically has two options: he can have the surgery, or he can give up playing football.haveoptionplay | keep/leave your options open (=delay choosing so that you continue to have several things to choose from): I haven’t signed any contracts yet – I want to keep my options open.signcontractoptionalternative one of two or more ways of doing something: Did you consider other alternatives before you moved in with Lucy?doalternativemove | alternative to: There is no practical alternative to our current policy.be | have no alternative (=to not have a choice): He says he doesn’t want to see a doctor, but I’m afraid he has no alternative.sayhave
verbWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: survivre ‘to live longer than’, from Latin supervivere, from vivere ‘to live’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]SURVIVE to continue to live after an accident, war, or illness:
Only 12 of the 140 passengers survived.passengersurviveShe survived the attack.survivepeople who survive cancer2[intransitive and transitive]SURVIVE to continue to live normally in spite of many problems: I’m sure she will survive this crisis.I’ve had a tough few months, but I’ll survive.havemonth3SURVIVE[intransitive] to manage to live a normal life even though you have very little moneysurvive onI don’t know how you all manage to survive on Jeremy’s salary.the amount that a family needs each week just to surviveneed4[intransitive]SURVIVE to continue to exist after a long time: A few pages of the original manuscript still survive.pagesurvive fromSeveral buildings in the town have survived from medieval times.buildingsurvivetimesurvive intoan old custom which has survived into the twenty-first centuryhavesurvivesurvive asThe main building was demolished, but the library still survives as a museum.buildbedemolishsurvive5[intransitive and transitive] to continue to be successful: The car industry cannot survive without government help.A lot of smaller firms did not survive the recession.smallfirmdo6[transitive]LIVING/ALIVE to live longer than someone else, usually someone closely related to you: He is survived by his wife Sue.besurvive
noun [countable]Date: 1700-1800Language: French
Origin: déficit, from Latin deficit ‘it lacks’, from deficere; → DEFECT1 NOT HAVEthe difference between the amount of something that you have and the higher amount that you need → shortfall:
the country’s widening budget deficitwidenthe US’s foreign trade deficitdeficit ofa deficit of £2.5 milliondeficit inMany countries have a big deficit in food supply.countryin deficitThe US balance of payments was in deficit.paymentbeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + deficit huge/massive (=very big) The recession left the Government with a massive deficit.leavea growing deficit (=becoming bigger) Congress must slash federal spending to curb a growing deficit.spendgrowa budget deficit Last year there was a budget deficit of US $70,000,000.bea trade deficit (=the difference between the amount of goods a country imports and the amount it exports) Last year the country had its largest trade deficit in recent history.havelargeverbshave a deficit We had a trade deficit of more than $4 billion.haveshow a deficit Friday's trade figures showed a £10 billion deficit.figureshowface a deficit The party is facing a deficit of £1.3million for this year, so it must find ways of cutting its costs.befacewaycutcostreduce/cut a deficit We must drastically cut our budget deficit to sustain economic growth.eliminate a deficit (=completely get rid of it) His proposals have so far failed to eliminate the deficit.proposalfail
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: conter, from Latin computare; → COMPUTE Verb form1COUNT/CALCULATEfind the total [transitive] (also count up) to calculate the total number of things or people in a group:
I was amazed at the number of plants – I counted 147.beamazenumbplantcountcount (up) how manyCount up how many ticks are in each box.tickbe2COUNT/CALCULATEsay numbers [intransitive] (also count up) to say numbers in order, one by one or in groupscount toSarah can count up to five now.count by twos/fives etcIt’s quicker to count by tens (=saying 10, 20, 30 ...).quickten3LET/ALLOWbe allowed [intransitive and transitive] to be allowed or accepted, or to allow or accept something, according to a standard, set of ideas, or set of rules: A linesman had his flag up so the kick did not count.havedocount asLocally produced sales by American firms in Japan do not count as exports.producesalefirmexportToday’s session is counted as training, so you will get paid.becounttrainpaycount towardsResults from the two rounds count towards championship points.resultroundpoint4INCLUDEinclude [transitive] to include someone or something in a total: There are more than two thousand of us, not counting the crew.becountcount somebody/something among somethingI count Jules and Ady among my closest friends.closefriend5consider something [transitive] to consider someone or something in a particular waycount somebody/something as somethingI don’t count him as a friend any more.You should count yourself lucky that you weren’t hurt.shall6IMPORTANTimportant [intransitive not in progressive] to be important or valuable: First impressions really do count.impressioncount forHis promises don’t count for much.promiseHis overseas results count for nothing.result7I/you can count somebody/something on (the fingers of) one hand spokenFEW/NOT MANY used to emphasize how small the number of something is: The number of cougar attacks on humans can be counted on the fingers of one hand.numbattackhumancountfinger8don’t count your chickens (before they’re hatched)EXPECT spoken used to say that you should not make plans that depend on something good happening, because it might not: I wouldn’t count your chickens, Mr Vass. I’ve agreed to sign the contract, but that’s all.chickenagree9count your blessings spoken used to tell someone to be grateful for the good things in their life10be counting (down) the minutes/hours/days to be waiting eagerly for something to happen: I'm counting the days until I see you again.countday11count the costSUFFER to start having problems as a result of your earlier decisions or mistakes: We’re now counting the cost of not taking out medical insurance.counttake12who’s counting?DON'T CARE used to say that you are not worried about the number of times something happens – often used humorously: Apparently the next Star Trek film (number six, but who’s counting?) will definitely be the last.numbcount13and counting especially spoken used to say that an amount is continuing to increase: At eight days and counting, this is the longest strike so far.daycountbelong14count sheep to imagine a line of sheep jumping over a fence, one at a time, and count them as a way of getting to sleep → stand up and be counted at stand1(5), → it’s the thought that counts at thought2(12)THESAURUScalculate formal to find out an amount, price, or value by adding numbers together: The students calculated the cost of printing 5000 copies of their book.studentcalculateprintcopywork out to calculate something. Work out is less formal than calculate, and is more common in everyday English: You need to work out how much you will need to borrow.figure out (also figure American English) informal to calculate an amount: We still haven't figured out how much it's all going to cost.figurego | the method for figuring welfare paymentsfigurepaymentcount to find out the total number of things or people in a group by looking at each one and adding them all together: The teacher counted the children as they got on the bus.countchildgettotal (also total up) to add a number of things together to get a final number: Once the scores have been totaled, we will announce the winner.scorebetotal | Okay, now let's total up who had the most points.havepointquantify formal to say how much something costs, how much of it there is, how serious or effective it is etc: I think it's difficult to quantify the cost at the moment, for a variety of reasons.reason | How do you quantify the benefits of the treatment?benefit | a reliable method for quantifying the amount of calcium in the bloodquantifyassess formal to calculate what the value or cost of something is, or decide how good, bad etc something is: The value of the paintings was assessed at $20 million.paintingbeassess | They are still assessing the damage.beassess | We need to have a better way of assessing students' progress.wellassessstudentestimate to guess an amount, price, or number as exactly as you can, based on the knowledge you have: The police department estimates that the number of violent crimes will decrease by 2%.estimatenumbcrimeput a figure on something to say what you think the exact total amount or value of something is, especially when it is a lot: It's hard to put a figure on it, but the final cost is likely to be over £225 million.be | The company has refused to put a figure on its losses.haverefuselossproject to calculate what an amount will be in the future, using the information you have now: The company projects sales of $4 million this year.projectsalecount somebody in phrasal verb INCLUDEto include someone in an activity: When the game gets started, you can count me in.getstartcount on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb1DEPEND ON/RELY ONto depend on someone or something, especially in a difficult situation: You can count on me.With luck, you might cover your costs, but don’t count on it.costcount on (somebody/something) doing somethingWe’re all counting on winning this contract.countwinThey were counting on him not coming out of hospital.becountcomecount on somebody/something to do somethingYou can count on Dean to ruin any party.2EXPECTto expect something: The presence of Paula was one thing he hadn’t counted on.becountcount on (somebody/something) doing somethingWe didn’t count on so many people being on vacation.becount somebody/something out phrasal verb1INCLUDEto not include someone or something in an activity: I’m sorry, you’ll have to count me out tonight.2to decide that someone or something is not important or worth considering: I wouldn’t count him out. If anybody can make a comeback, he can.3count something ↔ outCOUNT/CALCULATE to put things down one by one as you count them: The teller counted out ten $50 bills.countbill
countnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescountcountscountcount2 noun [countable]
Word familySense 1-8:Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: conte, from conter; → COUNT1Sense 9:
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: conte, from Latin comes ‘person you are with, member of the emperor's court’, from com- ( → COM-) + ire ‘to go’ 1totalCOUNT/CALCULATE the process of counting, or the total that you get when you count things:
Hold your breath for a count of ten.2measurementAMOUNT a measurement that shows how much of a substance is present in a place, area etc that is being examined: The pollen count is high today.be3lose countCOUNT/CALCULATE to forget a number you were calculating or a total you were trying to countlose count ofThere have been so many accidents here, the police have lost count of them.beaccidentlose4keep countCOUNT/CALCULATE to keep a record of the changing total of something over a period of timekeep count ofI never manage to keep count of what I spend on my credit card.5on all/several/both etc countsWAY/MANNER in every way, in several ways etc: It was important that they secured a large and widespread audience. They failed on both counts.besecurefailcount6at the last countNOW according to the latest information about a particular situation: At the last count, I had 15 responses to my letter.haveresponse7be out for the count a)SLEEPto be in a deep sleep b)if a boxer is out for the count, he has been knocked down for ten seconds or more8law technical one of the crimes that someone is charged with: Davis was found not guilty on all counts.befindcountcount of theft/burglary/murder etcHe was charged with two counts of theft.bechargecount9rank/title a European nobleman with a high rankCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + count a rough count (=not exact) I made a rough count of the houses in the street.makehousea quick count According to my quick count, there were 15.accordbea head count (=of how many people are present) Make sure you do a head count before the children get back on the bus.childa word/page count (=of how many words or pages there are) Your computer can do an automatic word count.a traffic count (=of how many vehicles pass through a place) We went to the main road at 9 am to begin our traffic count.gobeverbsdo/make a count I looked at the report and did a quick page count.lookdo
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Latin instantia ‘presence, urgency’, from instans; → INSTANT1 1for instanceEXAMPLE for example:
We need to rethink the way we consume energy. Take, for instance, our approach to transport.2[countable]EXAMPLE an example of a particular kind of situationinstance ofThey came across many instances of discrimination.comeinstanceinstance where/wheninstances where safety regulations have been breachedinstanceregulationbebreachIn this instance I think she was mistaken.bemistake3in the first instanceBEGINNING at the beginning of a series of actions: Anyone wishing to join the society should apply in the first instance to the secretary.wishshall4at sb’s instance formalASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH because of someone’s wish or requestTHESAURUSexample something that you mention because it is typical of the kind of thing that you are talking about: The hall is a perfect example of medieval architecture.be | There are many ways in which technology has changed our lives. The car is an obvious example.bewayhavechangelivebe | This painting is a typical example of Picasso’s work in his Blue Period.paintbecase an example of something that happens, especially something bad: There have been some cases of women employees being fired because they are pregnant.becasewomanemployeebefirebe | In one case a man was charged $2,000 for a simple medical check-up.becharge | Recent government spending on schools is a classic case of too little, too late.spendschoolbeinstance an example of a particular kind of situation or event, especially something bad. Instance is more formal than case: Some users of Ecstasy have actually died, but such instances are very rare.userdieinstancebe | The report describes instances of discrimination.describeinstance | In a few rare instances, the disease can cause death.instanceillustration something, especially a story or situation, that you use as an example: As an illustration of this, consider the following example.follow | He mentioned the recent events in the Middle East by way of illustration (=as an example).mentionevent
instanceverbPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesinstanceinstancesinstancedinstancinginstanceinstance2 AC verb [transitive] formalVerb form EXAMPLEto give something as an example: She instanced the first chapter as proof of his skill in constructing scenes.instanceconstructscene
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: cwen ‘woman, queen’ 1ruler (also Queen) a)the female ruler of a country → kingqueen of
Cleopatra, Queen of EgyptQueen ElizabethAt 18, Victoria was crowned queen (=officially became ruler).becrown b)the wife of a king: the future queen2card a playing card with a picture of a queen on it: the queen of diamondsdiamond3BESTthe queen of something the woman or place that is considered the best in a particular area or activity: With 42 albums, she was the queen of pop.albumbeParis, the queen of fashion4competition American English the woman who wins a beauty competition, or who is chosen to represent a school, area etc: the carnival queen5insect a large female bee, ant etc, which lays the eggs for a whole group6queen beeBOAST a woman who behaves as if she is the most important person in a place7homosexual taboo informalHOMOSEXUAL an offensive word for a male homosexual who behaves very like a woman. Do not use this word.8chess the most powerful piece in the game of chess → beauty queen, drag queenCOLLOCATIONSverbsbecome queen Mary Tudor became queen in 1553.becomecrown somebody queen (=officially make someone queen) The next day she was crowned Queen of England.becrowna queen rules/reigns (=is in charge of a country) Queen Victoria reigned for over 60 years.reignyeara queen abdicates (=gives up the position of being queen) The Queen is unlikely to abdicate.bephrasesthe reign of Queen Elizabeth/Victoria etc (=when Elizabeth etc was queen) She was born in the reign of Queen Victoria.beHer Majesty the Queen (=used when talking about a queen) Her Majesty the Queen will be visiting Australia in July.visitTHESAURUSking the male ruler of a country, who comes from a royal family: George III was the king of England at that time.be | King Harald V of Norwayqueen a woman who rules a country because she is from a royal family, or the wife of a king: She became queen when she was only 14 years old.becomebeyear | Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdomunitemonarch a king or queen: The bishops were appointed by the monarch.bishopbeappointmonarchy a country that is ruled by a king or queen, or this type of political system: Britain is a constitutional monarchy.be | Some people want the monarchy to be abolished.abolishprince the son of a king, queen, or prince, or the male ruler of a small country or state: Prince Rainier of Monacorainy | The prince will inherit the throne when his father dies.dieruler someone such as a king, who has official power over a country and its people: the ruler of Babylonia | General Musharraf was the former military ruler of Pakistan.beemperor the ruler of an empire (=group of countries): the Habsburg emperors of the 19th centuryemperor | Emperor Hirohitosovereign formal a king or queen: It was hoped that a meeting of the two sovereigns would ease tensions between the countries.behopemeetsovereignwilltensioncountryregent someone who governs instead of a king or queen, because the king or queen is ill, absent, or still a child: Edward II left his friend Gaveston as regent.leavethe crown formal the position of king or queen: Warwick was a loyal servant of the crown.be
queenverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesqueenqueensqueenedqueeningqueenqueen2 verb [transitive]Verb form1technical to change a pawn into a queen in the game of chess2queen it over somebody British English informalBAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS if a woman queens it over other people, she behaves as if she is more important than them, in an annoying way
QueenQueenQueenQueen
a British rock group who were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and whose songs include Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are the Champions. Their main singer was Freddie Mercury, and they were known especially for playing to very large crowds, for example in football stadiums.
verb
1be born when a person or animal is born, they come out of their mother’s body or out of an egg: Forty lambs were born this spring.lambbebe born inSwift was born in 1667.bebe born atThen, most babies were born at home.babybebe born onI was born on December 15th, 1973.bebe born into/to/of something (=be born in a particular situation, type of family etc)One third of all children are born into single-parent families.childbefamilybe born with something (=have a particular disease, type of character etc since birth)Jenny was born with a small hole in her heart.beI was born and raised (=was born and grew up) in Alabama.beraisebe born blind/deaf etc (=be blind, deaf etc when born)a newly-born babythe queen’s firstborn sonbe born lucky/unlucky etc (=always be lucky, unlucky etc)Australian/French etc born (=born in or as a citizen of Australia etc) ► Do not say ‘I born’, ‘I have been born’, or ‘I am born’. Say I was born: I was born in Pakistan.2start existing be bornSTART TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETC something that is born starts to exist: the country where the sport of cricket was bornbebe born (out) of (=as a result of a particular situation)The alliance was born of necessity in 1941.beBill spoke with a cynicism born of bitter experience.speak3born and bredCOME FROM/ORIGINATE born and having grown up in a particular place and having the typical qualities of someone from that place: I was born and bred in Liverpool.bebreed4be born to do/be somethingSUITABLE to be very suitable for a particular job, activity etc: He was born to be a politician.be5I wasn’t born yesterday spokenBELIEVE used to tell someone you think is lying to you that you are not stupid enough to believe them6there’s one born every minute spokenSTUPID/NOT INTELLIGENT used to say that someone has been very stupid or easily deceived7be born under a lucky/unlucky starLUCKY to always have good or bad luck in your life8be born with a silver spoon in your mouthRICH to be born into a rich family → natural-born
bornadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbornbornborn2 adjective [only before noun]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: boren, past participle of beran; → BEAR1 1born leader/musician/teacher etc someone who has a strong natural ability to lead, play music etc:
the skill of a born actor2born loser someone who always seems to have bad things happen to them3in all your born days old-fashioned used to express surprise or annoyance at something that you have never heard about before
adjective
Word family1MAKING SEVERE JUDGMENTSCRITICIZEcriticizing if you are critical, you criticize someone or somethingcritical ofMany economists are critical of the government’s economic policies.economistbepolicyMany parents are strongly critical of the school.parentbeHe made some highly critical remarks.makeremark2IMPORTANTIMPORTANTimportant something that is critical is very important because what happens in the future depends on it SYN crucialcritical toThese talks are critical to the future of the peace process.talkbeIt is absolutely critical for us to know the truth.beForeign trade is of critical importance to the economy.be3DANGEROUS/UNCERTAINSERIOUS SITUATIONserious/worrying a critical time or situation is serious and worrying because things might suddenly become much worse: The fighting has stopped, but the situation is still critical.fighthavestopbechanges that took place during the critical period at the end of the warchangetake4ill so ill that you might die: He is still in a critical condition in hospital.beShe is in intensive care, where she remains critical but stable.beremain5the critical list a)the list of patients in a hospital who are so ill that they might dieon the critical listTwo of the victims were still on the critical list Sunday night.victimbetake somebody off the critical listHe was taken off the critical list and is now in a stable condition.betakebe b)if a system, plan, company etc is on the critical list, it is having severe problems and might fail soon6MAKING FAIR JUDGMENTSJUDGEmaking judgments making careful judgments about how good or bad something is: His book provides a critical analysis of the television industry in Britain.provideShe looked round the room with a critical eye.look7ART/FILM/BOOKS ETCART/CULTUREart/literature according to critics who give judgments about art, films, theatre, and books: The book came out last year to great critical acclaim (=critics said it was very good).comeHer first play was a critical success (=critics said it was good).beTHESAURUSvery badserious very bad – used about problems, accidents, illnesses, or crimes: Violent crime is a serious problem in and around the capital.be | The boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.betakeinjury | Fortunately, the damage to the car was not serious.besevere very serious – used about problems, injuries, and illnesses: He suffered severe injuries in a car crash.sufferinjury | The problem became so severe that they had to bring water in from other countries.becomehavecountry | severe epilepsygrave used about a situation that is very serious and worrying, especially because it is dangerous or seems likely to get worse: A thick fog descended and I knew that we were in grave danger.descendknowbe | The situation is grave – war now seems inevitable.beseemacute used about an illness, problem, or situation that has become very serious or dangerous, and needs to be dealt with quickly: She was taken to the hospital suffering from acute appendicitis.betakesuffer | In San Diego, the shortage of skilled workers is acute.workerbedesperate used about a situation or problem that is very serious or dangerous, especially because a lot of people need urgent help: The situation is desperate – people here need aid before the harsh winter sets in.beset | The hospital is full of people in desperate need of medical attention.becritical used about a situation that is very serious and dangerous and might get worse suddenly: In 1991, the food supply situation became critical.become | Eight people were killed and four are still in a critical condition.bekillbelife-threatening used about a situation, illness, or condition in which someone could die: Her child had a potentially life-threatening illness.havethreaten | The situation was not life-threatening, but it was very worrying.bethreatenbeworrybe a matter of life and death spoken to be extremely serious – used when a situation is very urgent or important: For people living with HIV, getting the right treatment is literally a matter of life and death.livegetbe
nounDate: 1600-1700Origin: Plural of datum ‘fact, piece of information’ (17-21 centuries), from Latin, past participle of dare ‘to give’ 1[plural,uncountable]INFORMATION information or facts:
The research involves collecting data from two random samples.involvecollectdatumsampledata ondata on pesticide usedatumexperimental/historical/statistical etc datadetailed research datadetaildatumGrammarAfter data, you can use a singular verb or, in formal or technical English, a plural verb: The data is collected by trained interviewers.datumbecollecttraininterviewerThese data are summarized in Table 5.datumbesummarize ► Do not say 'datas’ or 'a data'.2[uncountable]INFORMATION information in a form that can be stored and used, especially on a computer: It’s possible to store a lot more data on a DVD.datumdata storage/transfer/retrievalCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + data accurate It’s important to ensure that the data we collect is accurate.datumbereliable Some of the data isn’t very reliable.datumfactual data It’s difficult to collect factual data on these insects.datuminsecthistorical/financial/scientific etc data My research involves analyzing the historical data.involveanalyzedatumstatistical data (=based on statistics) It is difficult to compare statistical data from different countries.bedatumcountryempirical data (=based on tests or experience, not on ideas) The theory is supported by empirical data.besupportdatumexperimental data (=resulting from experiments) the analysis of experimental datadatumsurvey/census data (=produced in a survey or census) Survey data show that people’s participation in sports rises with their level of income.datumsportriseraw data (=data that has been collected, but not organized or studied) This system does no more than produce the raw data.dodatumcomputer data (=kept on a computer) Digital cameras transfer pictures and sound into computer data.camerapicturedatumelectronic data (=kept in an electronic form) new ways of storing electronic datawaystoredatumverbscollect data The survey data has been collected over the last three decades.datumhavebecollectdecadestore data The data is stored on a computer in our central office.datumbestoreprocess data (=store and organize it using computers) Newer computers can process data much more quickly.newcomputerdatumanalyze data The researchers then began analyzing the data.researcherbeginanalyzedatumdata shows something The data shows that suicide rates among young men have increased over the last twenty years.datumshowratemanincreaseyeardata indicates/suggests something Our data indicates that weather patterns are likely to get more extreme.datumindicatepatternbedata + NOUNa data base/data bank (=a large amount of data stored in a computer system) We can compare insurance prices from different companies on the database.pricecompanydata collection Choosing the right method of data collection will be crucial to the experiment’s success.choosedatumdata processing (=using computers to store and organize information) They’ve got a very efficient system for data processing.getdatumprocessdata analysis Computers are increasingly used for data analysis.computerbeusedatumphrasesa set of data (=one group of data) The three sets of data produced strikingly different results.setdatumproduceresulta piece/item of data Every single piece of data is important.datumbea body of data (=a large amount of data) There is an enormous body of data in support of the theory.bedatum
adjective (comparative cooler, superlative coolest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: col 1temperatureCOLD low in temperature, but not cold, often in a way that feels pleasant:
She swam out into the cool water.swimThe evening air was cool.evenbeRelax in the sun with a cool drink.the cooler weather of Septembercool2clothing clothing that is cool is made of thin material so that you do not become too hot: a cool cotton dress3calmCALM calm and not nervous, upset, or excitedkeep/stay coolhis ability to keep cool in a crisisShe looks efficient and as cool as a cucumber.lookOutwardly she is cool, calm, and collected.becollecta cool customer (=someone who always behaves calmly)Keep a cool head (=stay calm).4approval informal very attractive, fashionable, interesting etc in a way that people admire – used in order to show approval: She’s pretty cool.You look cool in denim.Cool bike!‘I’m thinking of studying abroad.’ ‘Really? Cool.’thinkstudy5agreement spokenCONVENIENT used to say that you agree with something, that you understand it, or that it does not annoy you: OK, Ryan, that’s cool, I can do it.‘I just have to go, you know.’ ‘It’s all right, it’s cool.’‘I’m finished.’ ‘Cool.’finishcool aboutMy mum was cool about whatever I wore.bewearsomething is cool with somebodyIs Friday cool with you guys?beguysomebody is cool with something‘Do you want to come over and watch a video tonight?’ ‘I’m cool with that.’6not friendlyUNFRIENDLY behaving in a way that is not as friendly as you expect: My proposal met with a cool response.meetLuke gave her a cool look.give7colour a cool colour is one, such as blue or green, that makes you think of cool things8a cool million/hundred thousand etc informalMONEY a surprisingly large amount of money: He earns a cool half million every year.earn—coolnesscoolnessescoolness noun [uncountable]: the coolness of the nightsnight—coollycoolly adverb: She nodded coolly and walked out.nodwalk
coolverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescoolcoolscooledcoolingcoolcool2 S2 verbWord familyVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] (also cool down)COLD to make something slightly colder, or to become slightly colder: The air conditioning doesn’t seem to be cooling the room much.conditioncoolAllow the biscuits to cool for five minutes.biscuitminutea cooling breezecool2[intransitive]LESS if a feeling, emotion, or relationship cools, it becomes less strong: The affair had cooled, on her side at least.havecoollittleWhen tempers had cooled, he apologized.temperhavecoolapologize3cool it spoken a)CALMused to tell someone to stop being angry, violent etc: Come on now – calm down, cool it. b)TRY TO DO OR GET STHto stop putting as much effort into something, or pressure on someone, as you have been: He was getting more serious about her. It was time to cool it.begetbe4cool your heelsWAIT to be forced to wait: I’ll put him in a cell to cool his heels for a bit.heelbitecool down phrasal verb1to make something slightly colder, or to become slightly colder: The air has cooled down a little now.havecoolcool somebody/something ↔ downA cold beer will cool you down.2CALMto become calm after being angry: After I cooled down I realized I had been wrong.coolrealizehavebecool off phrasal verb1COLDto return to a normal temperature after being hot: Cool off with an iced drink.iceBy late autumn Mediterranean islands have cooled off, and can have rainy days.islandcoolday2CALMto become calm after being angry SYN calm down: He slammed the door and went for a walk to cool off.slamgo
coolnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplescoolcoolscoolcool3 nounWord family1the coolCOLD a temperature that is pleasantly coldthe cool ofThey went for a stroll in the cool of the evening.goeven2keep your coolCALM to remain calm in a frightening or difficult situation: I must keep my cool, she thought; losing my temper isn’t going to help.thinklosego3lose your coolANGRYFRIGHTENED to stop being calm in an annoying or frightening situation: Kenneth finally lost his cool with a photographer, and threatened to hit him.losethreaten
cooladverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriescoolcoolcool4 adverb play it coolCALM to behave in a calm way because you do not want someone to know that you are really nervous, angry etc: She would not show him how upset she was. It was always smarter to play it cool.willbebesmart
noun [singular, uncountable] LESSa decrease in the quality, quantity, or importance of somethingdecline inThere has been a decline in the size of families.havebefamilydecline ofthe decline of manufacturingmanufacturerapid/sharp/steep/dramatic declinea rapid decline in unemploymentsteady/gradual/long-term declineThe island’s population initially numbered 180, but there was a gradual decline until only 40 people were left.numberbebeleavethe economic decline faced by many citiesfacecityin decline/on the decline (=falling)the widely held belief that educational standards are in declineholdstandardbefall/go etc into decline (=become less important, successful etc)The port fell into decline in the 1950s.fallCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivessharp/steep (=by a large amount) The higher prices caused a sharp decline in sales.highpricecausesalerapid (=fast) We noticed a rapid decline in his health.noticedramatic (=extremely fast, and by a large amount) The last three years have seen a dramatic decline in the number of tigers in the area.yearseenumbtigermarked (=very noticeable) Hunting led to a marked decline in bird numbers.huntleadmarknumbergradual After 1870, there was a gradual decline of the disease.besteady/progressive (=gradual but continuous) There has been a steady decline in club membership.havebea long-term decline (=happening for a long time) The long-term decline in the manufacturing industry is still continuing.manufacturebecontinueeconomic/industrial etc decline This area has been severely affected by long-term industrial decline.havebeaffectverbscause/lead to a decline The use of agricultural chemicals has led to a decline in water quality.chemicalhaveleadgo/fall into decline (=become less important, successful etc) At the beginning of the century the cloth trade was going into decline.beginbegosuffer a decline The firm suffered a sharp decline in its profits.sufferprofitstop/halt a decline (=stop it from continuing) These measures are intended to halt the decline in fish populations.measurebeintendpopulationreverse a decline (=make something start to improve again) The main aim is to reverse the decline of the world’s environment.besee a decline (=used to say that a decline happens at a particular time or in a particular place) The 20th century saw a steady decline in the rural population.seeTHESAURUSdecrease used when the number, amount, or level of something becomes less than it used to be: There has been a significant decrease in the number of deaths from lung cancer.havebenumbdeath | a 5% decrease in housing priceshousepricereduction used when the price, amount, or level of something is made lower: There will be further price reductions in the sales.farreductionsale | A small reduction in costs can mean a large increase in profits.costprofitcut used when a government or company reduces the price, amount, or level of something: a 1% cut in interest ratesrate | tax cutscut | It is possible that there will be further job cuts.befarcutdrop/fall used when the number, amount, or level of something goes down, especially by a large amount: The figures showed a sharp fall in industrial output.figureshow | There was a dramatic drop in temperature.bedecline used when the number, amount, level, or standard of something goes down, especially gradually: During the 1970s, there was a gradual decline in the birthrate.be | a decline in educational standardsstandard
declineverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdeclinedeclinesdeclineddecliningdeclinedecline2 W3 AC verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: décliner, from Latin declinare ‘to turn aside, inflect’ Verb form1decrease [intransitive]LESS to decrease in quantity or importance:
Spending on information technology has declined.spendhavedeclineCar sales have declined by a quarter.saledeclineAfter the war, the city declined in importance.decline2say no [intransitive and transitive]REFUSE formal to say no politely when someone invites you somewhere, offers you something, or wants you to do something: Offered the position of chairman, Smith declined, preferring to keep his current job.offerdeclineMary declined a hot drink and went to her room.declinegodecline an offer/invitation etcMary declined Jay’s invitation to dinner.declinedecline to do somethingThe court declined to review her case.declineThe minister declined to comment (=refused to speak to people who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks.declinetalk3become worse [intransitive]WORSE to become gradually worse in quality SYN deteriorate: Her health has been declining progressively for several months.havebedeclinemonthQualified staff are leaving and standards are declining.qualifybeleavestandardbedecline4sb’s declining years formalOLD/NOT NEW the last years of someone’s life5grammar a)[intransitive] if a noun, pronoun, or adjective declines, its form changes according to whether it is the subject, object etc of a sentence b)[transitive] if you decline a noun, pronoun, or adjective, you show the various forms that it can take—decliningdeclining adjective: declining attendance at baseball gamesdeclinegame
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: engin ‘cleverness, machine’, from Latin ingenium ‘abilities you are born with’ 1the part of a vehicle that produces power to make it move → motorstart/switch on an engine
The engine won’t start.winstop/turn off/switch off an engineHe switched off the car’s engine and waited.switchwaitIs the engine running smoothly?berundiesel/petrol etc enginean old steam engineWe were stranded with engine trouble on a deserted highway.bestranddesert2a vehicle that pulls a railway train3[usually singular] formalCAUSE something powerful that causes great changes in societyengine of change/growth etcThe Marshall Plan was the engine of post-war economic growth.beRome’s deadly war engine → fire engineCOLLOCATIONSverbsswitch on/turn on/start an engine I fastened my seat belt and turned on the engine.fastenturnswitch off/turn off/stop an engine Maggie pulled over and switched off the engine.pullswitchrev (up) an engine British English, gun an engine American English (=make an engine go very fast) As the lights turned green, Chris gunned the engine and we surged forward.lightturngunsurgean engine runs He parked outside the bank and kept the engine running.parkkeeprunan engine idles/ticks over (=runs slowly while the vehicle, machine etc is not moving) The taxi waited at the kerb, its engine idling noisily.waitidlean engine cuts out (=stops suddenly) The engine keeps cutting out.keepcutadjectivesbig/powerful The newer model has a more powerful engine.newhavesmall The engine is small, so it's quite economical to run.bea petrol/diesel engine The van has a 2.5 litre diesel engine.havea jet engine the plane's powerful jet enginesenginea car/motorbike etc engine I heard the sound of a car engine in the distance.hearengine + NOUNengine trouble (=problems with an engine) When the boat developed engine trouble, the crew had to abandon ship.develophaveengine failure (=when an engine stops working suddenly) Their aircraft suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea.suffercrashengine capacity (=an engine's size or power) The engine capacity of motorcycles ranges from 50cc to 1800cc.motorcyclerange
nounWord family1in additionAND/ALSO used to add another piece of information to what you have just said: The company provides cheap Internet access. In addition, it makes shareware freely available.providemakein addition to somethingIn addition to his movie work, Redford is known as a champion of environmental causes.beknowcause2[uncountable]ADD the act of adding something to something elsethe addition of somethingThe addition of networking facilities will greatly enhance the system.networkfacilitywith the addition of somethingTurn sparkling wine into Buck’s Fizz with the addition of chilled orange juice.sparklechill3[countable]ADD something that is added to something else, often in order to improve itaddition toThis excellent book will be a welcome addition to the library of any student.latest/new/recent additionthe latest addition to our designer rangelate4[uncountable]COUNT/CALCULATE the process of adding numbers or amounts to make a total → subtraction5[countable] American English an extra room that is added to a building: They built a big addition onto the back of the house.build
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: docga 1
animal a common animal with four legs, fur, and a tail. Dogs are kept as pets or trained to guard places, find drugs etc → puppy: I could hear a dog barking.canbarkHe's taken the dog for a walk.takeWe used to have a dog when I was young.usebethe most popular breed of dog2male animal a male dog, fox, or wolf → bitch3womanINSULT informal not polite an offensive word meaning an unattractive woman4dog eat dogGET when people compete against each other and will do anything to get what they want: It’s a dog eat dog world out there.5be going to the dogs informalWORSE if a country or organization is going to the dogs, it is getting worse and will be difficult to improve6dishonest informal not polite an offensive word for an unpleasant or dishonest man: You dirty dog!7a dog’s life spokenDIFFICULT a life that is difficult and unpleasant, with very little pleasure: His wife’s a nag who leads him a dog’s life (=makes his life unpleasant).lead8make a dog’s breakfast of somethingDO BADLY British English informal to do something very badly: The orchestra made a complete dog’s breakfast of the fourth movement.make9a dog’s dinnerWAY/MANNER British English informal something that is meant to be impressive or fashionable but that other people think is not: She was dressed up like a dog’s dinner.bedress10not have a dog’s chance British English informalCHANCE/OPPORTUNITY to have no chance of being successful11every dog has its/his dayNOTICE used to say that even the most unimportant person has a time in their life when they are successful and important12like a dog with two tails British English informal very pleased and happy because something good has happened13a dog in the manger someone who cannot have or does not need something, but does not want anyone else to have it14feet dogs [plural] American English informal feet: Boy, my dogs really hurt.dog15poor qualityBAD American English informal something that is of very poor quality16dog and pony show American English an event that has only been organized so that people can admire it and think that it is impressive, not for any real purpose17be the dog’s bollocks British English informal a very rude expression used to say that something is very good18put on the dogBOAST American English old-fashioned to pretend to be richer, more clever etc than you really are19the dogs British English informal a sports event consisting of a series of races for dogs → the hair of the dog at hair(13), → shaggy dog story, → as sick as a dog at sick1(1), → let sleeping dogs lie at sleep1(6), → the tail wagging the dog at tail1(11), → top dog, → treat someone like a dog at treat1(1)COLLOCATIONSverbshave a dog (=keep one as a pet) We have one dog and two cats.catwalk a dog/take a dog for a walk She loves walking her dogs on the beach.lovewalkdoga dog bites somebody Their dog had bitten a little girl on the leg.havebitea dog barks (=makes short loud sounds) The dog barks every time someone comes to the door.barkcomea dog yaps (=barks – used of small dogs) A little dog was yapping at her heels.beyapheela dog growls (=makes a long deep angry sound) The dog growled at me as I walked towards it.growlwalka dog snarls (=shows its teeth and makes an angry sound) When a dog snarls, it is threatening attack.snarlbethreatena dog whines (=makes a long high sound because it is unhappy or in pain) I could hear the dogs whining outside the door.candogwhinea dog howls (=makes a long loud sound like a wolf) We knew something was wrong because the dogs were howling.knowbedogbehowla dog pants (=breathes quickly usually with its tongue hanging out) The dog was panting heavily beside her.bepanta dog wags its tail (=moves its tail from side to side to show pleasure) The dog stood up and wagged his tail.standwagADJECTIVES/NOUN + doga pet dog (=that you keep in your house) Some owners give their pet dogs too much food.ownerdoga family dog (=that belongs to a family) Labradors make a great family dog.a wild dog Packs of wild dogs roamed the countryside.packdogroama stray dog (=a pet dog that is lost) He was always bringing home stray dogs.bebringdoga guide dog (=trained to guide a blind person) No dogs except guide dogs are allowed in the store.dogdogbeallowa guard dog (=trained to guard a building) The guard dog growled at him.growla police dog (=trained to help the police) Police dogs helped in the search for the missing child.doghelpmissa sniffer dog British English (=trained to find drugs or bombs) Police and sniffer dogs have become a regular presence at the airport.dogdog + NOUNdog food a can of dog fooda dog owner Dog owners must be responsible for controlling their animals.ownercontrolanimala dog lover (=someone who loves dogs) Britain is a nation of dog lovers.belovera dog handler (=someone whose job is training and working with dogs) Dog handlers decided that the dog was dangerous and should be shot.handlerdecidebeshallshoota dog show (=competition for the best dog) Crufts is the largest dog show in the world.belargephrasesa breed of dog (=a type of dog) It is one of the most fashionable breeds of dog.bebreeda pack of dogs (=a group of wild dogs or stray dogs) There are packs of wild dogs in the mountains.bepackdogmountainGood dog! (=said to a dog when it obeys you) Sit! Good dog!Beware of the dog! (=a sign warning people that there is a dog inside a place) There was a sign on the gate saying 'Beware of the dog!'.besay
dogverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdogdogsdoggeddoggingdogdog2 verb (past tense and past participle dogged, present participle dogging) [transitive]Verb form1PROBLEMif a problem or bad luck dogs you, it causes trouble for a long time: He has been dogged by injury all season.havebedog2FOLLOWto follow close behind someone
noun [countable]
Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: bombe, from Italian bomba, probably from Latin bombus ‘deep sound’, from Greek bombos, from the sound 1weapon a weapon made of material that will explode:
The bomb went off at 9.30 in the morning.goEnemy planes dropped over 200 bombs during the raid.planedropbombHe was killed in a bomb explosion.bekill → smoke bomb, stink bomb2bad performance/event American English informal a play, film, event etc that is not successful: This is just another one of Hollywood’s bland and boring bombs.beborebomb3be the bomb informal to be very good or exciting: That new P Diddy CD is the bomb.be4the bomb used to describe nuclear weapons, and especially the hydrogen bomb: Voices of dissent began to rise against the bomb.voicebegin5cost a bombEXPENSIVE British English informal to cost a lot of money6make a bombEARN British English informal to get a lot of money by doing somethingCOLLOCATIONSverbsa bomb explodes/goes off Forty people were injured when the bomb exploded.beinjureexplode | A 200 pound bomb went off in the car park.goset off a bomb (also detonate a bomb formal) (=make a bomb explode) The area was cleared and the police safely detonated the bomb.becleardetonatedrop a bomb (=from a plane) Government forces began dropping bombs on rebel positions.forcebegindropbombpositiona bomb falls on something A bomb fell on the cathedral during the war.fallplant a bomb (=put a bomb somewhere) It is thought that right-wing extremists planted the bomb.bethinkextremistplantADJECTIVES/NOUN + bomba nuclear/hydrogen bomb The North Koreans were developing a nuclear bomb.bedevelopan atom/atomic bomb Oppenheimer was the father of the atomic bomb.bea neutron bomb (=that kills people but does not damage buildings much)a car bomb (=that makes a car explode) The car bomb killed 21 shoppers.killshoppera letter bomb (also a parcel bomb British English) (=sent in a letter or parcel) A second letter bomb was found among the unopened mail.befinda time bomb (=that is set to explode at a particular time) The terrorists’ time bomb was planned to cause the maximum carnage.terroristbeplana petrol bomb British English (=containing petrol) A petrol bomb was hurled at police as they chased the car.behurlchasea nail bomb (=containing nails)a cluster bomb (=that sends out smaller bombs when it explodes)a dirty bomb (=that spreads radioactive material)a smart bomb (=that is guided to the right place)a terrorist bomb The aircraft was blown apart by a terrorist bomb.beblowa suicide bomb (=the person carrying the bomb dies when it explodes) Each time there is a suicide bomb it is a new blow to peace.bebea homemade bomb Officers discovered several homemade bombs in the trunk of his car.officerdiscoverbomban unexploded bomb The workmen found an unexploded bomb.workmanfindbomb + NOUNa bomb blast/explosion The restaurant was destroyed in a massive bomb blast.bedestroya bomb attack No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bomb attack.haveclaima bomb threat (=when someone leaves a message saying there is a bomb somewhere) He delayed his flight home because of a bomb threat.delaya bomb scare (=when people think there might be a bomb somewhere) The building was evacuated after a bomb scare.buildbeevacuatebomb disposal (=the job of dealing with bombs that have not exploded) a bomb disposal expertbomb-making equipment Police found guns and bomb-making equipment in the house.findgunmakeTHESAURUSbomb a weapon that explodes: The bomb exploded on a bus in Jerusalem during the city’s morning rush hour.explode | Fifty-five people were injured in a car bomb attack in Baghdad.beinjure | Morrow was convicted in 1998 of sending four letter bombs (=a small bomb hidden in a package and sent to someone in order to hurt or kill them) to government officials.beconvictsendbombofficial | People were worried that terrorists would try to detonate a dirty bomb (=a bomb that contains nuclear materials )in the city centre.beworryterroristwillexplosives bombs or substances that can cause explosions: They used explosives to blow the door off the front of the building.useexplosivebuild | The car was packed with 1,000 lbs of high explosives (=powerful explosives).bepackexplosivedevice a bomb – used especially in news reports: Police found the device hidden in a suitcase.findhide | A bomb threat was received and the building was evacuated, but no device was found.bereceivebuildbeevacuatebefindIED a bomb that has been made using whatever materials are available, especially one used to blow up soldiers travelling through a place. IED is short for ‘improvised explosive device’: Several soldiers were killed when an IED exploded as their convoy drove by.soldierbekillexplodedrivemine a type of bomb that is hidden just below the ground or under water, and that explodes when it is touched: The fields are still full of landmines.fieldbelandmine | The ship struck a mine and sank.strikesinkgrenade (also hand grenade) a small bomb that can be thrown by hand or fired from a special gun: He pulled the pin and threw a grenade toward the enemy’s position.pullthrow
bombverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbombbombsbombedbombingbombbomb2 verbVerb form1[transitive] to attack a place by leaving a bomb there, or by dropping bombs on it from a plane: The town was heavily bombed in World War II.bebombGovernment aircraft have been bombing civilian areas.bebombarea → carpet-bomb, dive-bomb2[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]MOVE/CHANGE POSITION British English informal to move or drive very quickly: Suddenly a police car came bombing down the high street.comebomb3[intransitive and transitive]FAIL American English informal to fail a test very badly: I bombed my midterm.bomb4[intransitive] American EnglishFAIL if a play, film, event etc bombs, it is not successful: His latest play bombed on Broadway.latebombbe bombed out phrasal verb DESTROYif a building or the people in it are bombed out, the building is completely destroyed: My family were bombed out in 1941.bebomb
noun [uncountable]Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: avis ‘opinion’, probably from ce m'est a vis ‘that appears to me’ ADVISEan opinion you give someone about what they should do:
You should have followed my advice.shallfollowadvice on/aboutadvice on saving energysaveI need some advice about my computer.on sb’s adviceOn her doctor’s advice (=because her doctor advised her) Smith decided to take early retirement.decide ► Do not confuse the noun advice /ədˈvaɪs/ with the verb advise /ədˈvaɪz/: He gave me some useful advice. | Can you advise me on college courses?GrammarAdvice is an uncountable noun. Do not say 'advices’ or 'an advice'. COLLOCATIONSverbsgive somebody some advice My father once gave me some useful advice.give | The scheme has given advice and training to scores of youngsters taking part.havegivetrainscoreyoungstertakeget some advice I decided to get some advice from a specialist.decidespecialask sb’s advice Can I ask your advice about something?ask for advice If in doubt, always ask for advice.take/follow sb’s advice (also act on sb’s advice formal) (=do what someone advises you to do) He followed his doctor’s advice and went on a low-fat diet.followgo | The king acted on his advice and ordered his soldiers to get ready for battle.actordersoldierlisten to sb’s advice (also heed sb’s advice formal) (=pay attention to someone’s advice) I wish I had listened to her advice.havelistenignore/disregard sb’s advice (=not do what someone tells you) The accident happened because she ignored their advice.happenignorego/turn to somebody for advice People often go to him for advice about their problems.problemseek advice (=try to get some advice ) If you have any of these symptoms you should seek urgent advice.symptomshalloffer advice They can offer advice to those who wish to quit drinking.drinkpass on some advice (=give someone advice that you have learned or been given) Readers can pass on advice about gardening.readergardenadjectivesgood/excellent/useful/helpful The book is full of good advice.besound (=sensible) I thought that this was sound advice.thinkbewrong Unfortunately all the advice they gave me was wrong.givebebad advice Financial advisors can be fined if they give bad advice to a client.finepractical advice The programme aims to offer practical advice on healthy eating.aimeatdetailed advice The website gives detailed advice about making bombs.givedetailmakebombprofessional/expert/specialist advice It’s advisable to get professional advice before starting any building work.startbuildlegal/medical/financial etc advice Good legal advice can be expensive.independent/impartial advice (=from someone who is not involved and will not get an advantage) The banks claim to offer independent financial advice.bankconflicting advice (=very different opinions about what you should do) I’ve asked several people, and they’ve all given me conflicting advice.askgiveconflictphrasesa piece of advice (also a bit of advice informal) Let me give you a piece of advice.a word of advice spoken (=used when advising someone what to do ) A word of advice: look at the small print in the contract very carefully.advice + NOUNan advice centre/service/desk/bureau They offer a 24-hour advice service to customers.customerTHESAURUSadvice noun [uncountable] an opinion that is given to someone about what they should do: His advice was to give up smoking.besmoketip noun [countable] a simple but useful piece of advice about the best way to do something: useful tips on healthy eatingtipeatrecommendation noun [countable] advice about what to do, usually given by an expert or a group of people who have studied the matter: one of the major recommendations of the reportrecommendationguidance noun [uncountable] helpful general advice, especially about what to do in your life, your work etc: Young people need guidance from their parents.parent | a careers guidance counsellorcareer
verb
Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: gagner, from Old French gaaignier ‘to prepare the ground for growing crops, earn, gain’ Verb form1get something [transitive]GET to obtain or achieve something you want or needgain control/power
Radical left-wing parties gained control of local authorities.leavepartygainauthorityAfter gaining independence in 1957, it was renamed ‘Ghana’.gainberenamegain a degree/qualification etcHe gained a doctorate in Chemical Engineering.gainengineerRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say get rather than gain:She got a degree in English.get2get gradually [intransitive and transitive]GETMORE THAN BEFORE to gradually get more and more of a quality, feeling etc, especially a useful or valuable one: She has gained a reputation as a good communicator.havegainMany of his ideas have gained popular support.ideagainan opportunity to gain experience in a work environmentThe youngsters gradually gain confidence in their abilities.youngsterabilitygain inThe sport has gained in popularity in recent years.havegainyear3advantage [intransitive and transitive]ADVANTAGEGET to get an advantage from a situation, opportunity, or eventgain (something) from (doing) somethingThere is much to be gained from seeking expert advice early.begainseekan attempt to gain a competitive advantage over their rivalsrivalWho really stands to gain (=is likely to get an advantage) from these tax cuts?standcutThere’s nothing to be gained (=it will not help you) by losing your temper.gainlose4increaseINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT [transitive] to increase in weight, speed, height, or value: Carrie’s gained a lot of weight recently.gainThe dollar has gained 8% against the yen.havegain5gain access/entry/admittance etc (to something)ENTER to manage to enter a place, building, or organization: New ramps will help the disabled gain better access.rampdisablewellmethods used by burglars to gain entry to housesmethoduseburglarhouse6gain an understanding/insight/impression etc to learn or find out about somethinggain an understanding/insight/impression etc ofWe are hoping to gain a better understanding of the underlying process.behopewellunderstandunderlieThis enabled me to gain an overall impression of the school.enable7gain groundMORE THAN BEFORE to make steady progress and become more popular, more successful etc: The anti-smoking lobby has steadily gained ground in the last decade.smokehavegaingrind8gain timeTIME/HAVE TIME to deliberately do something to give yourself more time to think OPP lose time9clock [intransitive and transitive]TIME/WHAT TIME IS IT if a clock or watch gains, or if it gains time, it goes too fast OPP lose10arrive [transitive] literaryARRIVE to reach a place after a lot of effort or difficulty: The swimmer finally gained the river bank.gain → nothing ventured, nothing gained at venture2(3)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2nounsgain control The government of mainland China gained control of the island in 1683.gaingain power Many women wanted to gain power in a male-dominated world.womanwantdominategain independence Jamaica has had this flag since 1962, when it gained independence from Britain.havehavegaingain a reputation He had gained a reputation as a crook.havegaingain notoriety (=become famous, especially for doing something bad) He gained notoriety as the author of a controversial novel.gaingain support The proposal failed to gain support.failgain popularity Governments gain popularity by cutting taxes.governmentcuttaxgain acceptance The theory has gradually gained acceptance among scientists.havegainscientistgain credibility (=start to be believed or trusted, or start to be thought of as good) Screen actors feel that they gain credibility when they perform on stage.actorgain experience In her first job, she gained experience as a programme manager.gaingain knowledge Knowledge gained from the research will be used directly to help patients.gainusepatientgain confidence The managers were gaining confidence in their ability to take calculated risks.managerbegaincalculateriskgain strength He is beginning to gain strength again after his illness.bebegingain an understanding (=get knowledge based on learning and experience) Drama is one of the key ways in which children can gain an understanding of themselves and of others.bewaychildunderstandgain an insight (into something) (=get a chance to understand more about something) You can gain an insight into horses’ feelings by the physical signs they give out.horsefeelingsigngain momentum (=keep increasing) In the 1850s and 1860s, the British colonisation of India gained momentum.gainadverbsquickly/rapidly gain something Adam quickly gained the respect of the soldiers under his command.gainsoldiersteadily gain something The king was steadily gaining more support.begaingradually gain something He is gradually gaining confidence in his own abilities.begainabilityTHESAURUSget [not in passive] to get something by finding it, asking for it, or paying for it: I’ve been trying to get some information.betry | She went to the bank to get some money.goobtain formal to get something: Maps and guides can be obtained from the tourist office.mapguideobtain | The newspaper has obtained a copy of the letter.haveobtainacquire formal to get something – used about knowledge, skills, or something big or expensive: The course helps older people to acquire computing skills.helpoldcomputeskill | He acquired the property in 1985.acquireinherit to get someone’s money or property after they die: Jo inherited a lot of money from her mother.inheritgain to get something useful or necessary, such as knowledge or experience: I’ve gained a lot of useful experience.gain | The research helped us gain an insight into how a child’s mind works.helpworkearn to get something because you deserve it: He had earned a reputation as a peacemaker.haveearn | She earned a lot of respect from her colleagues.earncolleagueget hold of something informal to get something that is rare or difficult to find: I’m trying to get hold of a ticket for the game.trylay your hands on something informal to get something that you want very much or that you have spent a lot of time looking for: I read every book I could lay my hands on.canliehandgain on somebody/something phrasal verb NEARto gradually get closer to a person, car etc that you are chasing: Quick – they’re gaining on us!gain
gainnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesgaingainsgaingain2 W3 noun
1advantage [countable]IMPROVE an advantage or improvement, especially one achieved by planning or effort: The party made considerable gains at local elections.makegainelectiongain insubstantial gains in efficiencygaingain fromthe potential gains from improved marketinggainimprovemarketgain to/forThere are obvious gains for the student.begain2increase [uncountable and countable]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT an increase in the amount or level of something OPP lossgain ina gain in weekly outputgain ofRetail sales showed a gain of 0.4%.saleshowThe Democratic Party needed a net gain of only 20 votes.needvoteEating too many fatty foods could cause weight gain.eatfoodcan3profit [uncountable]PROFIT financial profit, especially when this seems to be the only thing someone is interested in OPP lossfinancial/economic/capital etc gainThey are seeking to realize the maximum financial gain.beseekgain ofa pre-tax gain of $20 millionfor gainSuch research should not be for personal gain.shall → capital gains4ill-gotten gainsCHEATPROFIT money or advantages obtained dishonestly – used humorouslyTHESAURUSincrease noun [uncountable and countable] an occasion when the amount or number of something becomes bigger: There has been a significant increase in violent crime over the past year.havebe | price increasesincreasegrowth noun [singular, uncountable] an increase in the number, size, or importance of something. Growth is also used when saying that a company or a country’s economy becomes more successful: The astonishing growth of the Internet has had a dramatic effect on people’s lives.astonishhavehavelive | Japan experienced a period of rapid economic growth.experience | Many people are concerned about the enormous growth in the world’s population.beconcernrise noun [countable] an increase in the amount of something, or in the standard or level of something: The latest figures show a sharp rise (=a sudden big rise) in unemployment in the region.latefigure | There was a 34 percent rise in the number of armed robberies.benumbarmrobbery | The majority of families experienced a rise in living standards.familyexperiencelivestandardsurge noun [countable usually singular] a sudden increase in something such as profits, demand, or interest: There has been a big surge in demand for organically grown food.havebegrow | We have seen a tremendous surge of interest in Chinese medicine.seegain noun [uncountable and countable] an increase in the amount or level of something - used especially in business or political contexts, or when talking about an increase in someone’s weight: sales gainssalegain | The December job figures show a net gain of 81,000 jobs.figurejob | The party has experienced a gain in popularity.haveexperience | The amount of weight gain during pregnancy varies.varyhike noun [countable] informal especially American English a large or sudden increase in prices or taxes - often used in newspaper reports: Despite a 25% hike in fuel costs, the airline made a profit last year.costmake | tax hikeshike | wage hikeshike
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: caractere, from Latin character ‘mark, particular quality’, from Greek, from charassein ‘to make a mark in a surface’ 1all sb’s qualities [countable usually singular]CHARACTER/PERSONALITY the particular combination of qualities that makes someone a particular type of person → characteristic:
He has a cheerful but quiet character.haveChildren grow up with a mixture of character traits (=character qualities) from both sides of their family.childtraitsidehis temper and other character flaws (=bad qualities)flawin character/out of character (=typical or untypical of someone’s character)He swore, which was out of character for him.swearbethe English/French etc characterOpenness is at the heart of the American character.becharacter sketch (=a description of someone’s character)2person [countable] a)a person in a book, play, film etc: Candida is the most interesting character in the play.beinterestIn the story, the main character has left his girlfriend and baby.haveleaveEveryone recognizes Disney’s cartoon characters.recognizecharacter b)PERSON/PEOPLEa person of a particular type, especially a strange or dishonest one: a couple of shady characters standing on the cornercharacterstandI’m considered a reformed character these days (=someone who has stopped doing bad things).considerreformday c)INTERESTINGan interesting and unusual person: Linda was something of a character.be3qualities of something [singular, uncountable]CHARACTER OF STH the particular combination of features and qualities that makes a thing or place different from all others SYN naturecharacter ofThe whole character of the school has changed.havechangethe unspoilt character of the coastin characterThe southern state became more nationalist in character.become4moral strength [uncountable]GOOD/MORAL a combination of qualities such as courage, loyalty, and honesty that are admired and regarded as valuable: a woman of great characterSchools were created to teach reading and mathematics, not moral character.schoolbecreatereadIt takes strength of character to admit you are wrong.takebeSport can be character building (=develop good moral qualities).build5interesting quality [uncountable]CHARACTER/PERSONALITY a quality that makes someone or something special and interesting: a red wine with a meaty charactersuburban houses that lack characterhouse6reputation [uncountable] formalREPUTATION the opinion that people have about whether you are a good person and can be trusted: a man of previous good characterThe campaign was accused of character assassination (=an unfair attack on someone’s character) because of its negative ads.beaccuseadHis defence called several people as character witnesses (=people who think that someone has a good character).callwitnessMr Wetherby wrote him a character reference (=a statement about his good qualities).write7letter/sign [countable] a letter, mark, or sign used in writing, printing, or on a computer: the Chinese character for ‘horse’COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2AADJECTIVES/NOUN + characterthe main/central/leading character Alec is the central character in the play.bethe lead character (=in a play, film, or television series) DiCaprio played the lead character in Titanic.playa minor character Two of the minor characters get killed.characterkilla television/movie/cartoon character Who’s your favourite television character?a comic/tragic character (=a funny or sad one) Homer Simpson is a great comic character.befictional/fictitious (=not existing in real life) People sometimes forget that television characters are fictional.characterbeconvincing (=seeming like a real person) The characters were totally convincing.characterbeconvincea sympathetic character (=one you like) In the book, Jeff isn’t a sympathetic character.verbsplay a character I wanted to play the character of Danny.wantportray a character (=show one in a play, book, film etc) The main characters are brilliantly portrayed.characterbeportraydevelop a character (=make a character become more interesting) The movie didn’t develop his character as well as the book did.donounscharacter development (=the process of developing characters) I thought the plot was boring and there wasn’t much character development.thinkbeborea character actor (=an actor who plays interesting or unusual characters) He’s a well-known character actor.know
verbWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of protegere, from tegere ‘to cover’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]PROTECT to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness → protection, protective:
Are we doing enough to protect the environment?bedoprotect somebody/something from somethingThe cover protects the machine from dust.protectprotect somebody/something against somethingPhysical exercise can protect you against heart disease.protect againstWaxing your car will help protect against rust.wax2[transitive usually passive] if an insurance company protects your home, car, life etc, it agrees to pay you money if things are stolen or damaged or you are hurt or killed SYN cover: Unemployment insurance means that you are partially protected if you lose your job.meanbeprotect3[transitive] to help the industry and trade of your own country by taxing or restricting foreign goodsTHESAURUSprotect to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness: Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. | The government wants to protect the environment.want | Eating healthily helps to protect against many diseases.eathelpdiseasegive/offer/provide protection to protect someone from something harmful: Wearing a hat offers some protection from the sun.wearoffer | The drug can give protection against cancer. | The law provides no protection.provideguard to protect a person, place, or object by staying near them and watching them: Police officers guarded the entrance to the building.officerguardbuild | He is guarded by armed men.beguardarmmansave to protect someone or something when they are in danger of being harmed or destroyed: Local people are fighting to save the theatre from demolition.befight | Emergency aid could save millions of people who are threatened with starvation.canbethreatenpreserve to keep something, especially buildings or the environment, from being harmed, destroyed, or changed too much: The organization works to preserve forests.workforest | There is little money for preserving historic buildings.bepreservebuildingsafeguard to protect something important, such as people’s rights, interests, jobs, health etc: The deal will safeguard 200 jobs at the factory.job | Laws should do more to safeguard the rights of victims.lawshallrightvictimshield to put something in front of something else to protect it. Also used to talk about protecting people from unpleasant situations: He lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the light.lifteye | They thought the public should be shielded from the truth.thinkshallshieldshelter to provide a place where someone or something is protected from the weather or from danger: The village is sheltered by a belt of trees.besheltertree | His family had sheltered Jews during the war.haveshelterharbour British English, harbor American English to help and protect someone who has done something illegal, and prevent the police from finding them: He is accused of harbouring suspected terrorists.beaccuseharboursuspectterrorist
noun
Word family1feeling somebody/something is good [uncountable]TRUST the feeling that you can trust someone or something to be good, work well, or produce good resultsconfidence inPublic confidence in the government is at an all-time low.beShe had complete confidence in the doctors.havedoctorOpinion polls show that voters have lost confidence in the administration.pollvoterlose2belief in yourself [uncountable]CONFIDENT the belief that you have the ability to do things well or deal with situations successfullyconfidence inI didn’t have any confidence in myself.confidence to do somethingGood training will give a beginner the confidence to enjoy skiing.trainskiI felt I was doing well and my confidence began to grow.feelbedobeginwith confidenceOur goal is to prepare students to go into the business world with confidence.bestudent3feeling something is true [uncountable]BELIEVE the feeling that something is definite or truesay/speak/predict etc with confidenceHow can anyone say with confidence that the recession is over?beconfidence inI have complete confidence in Mr Wright’s analysis of the situation.have confidence (that)I have every confidence that the job will be completed satisfactorily on time.complete4keep information secret [uncountable] if you tell someone something in confidence, you tell them something on the understanding that they will not tell anyone else → confidein confidenceI’ll tell you about Moira – in confidence, of course.in strict/the strictest confidenceAny information given during the interview will be treated in the strictest confidence.givetreatstrictbreach of confidence (=when someone tells someone something that they were told in confidence)Lawyers are satisfied that no breach of confidence took place.lawyerbesatisfytake5take somebody into your confidence to tell someone your secrets or private or personal details about your life: Elsa took me into her confidence and told me about some of the problems she was facing.taketellproblembeface6a secret [countable]SECRET a secret or a piece of information that is private or personalshare/exchange confidencesThey spent their evenings drinking wine and sharing confidences.spendeveningdrinkshareconfidenceI have never betrayed a confidence.betray → vote of confidence, vote of no confidenceCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbshave confidence in somebody/something The people no longer have any confidence in their government.longlose confidence in somebody/something Employees are losing confidence in the company.employeebelosegain/win sb’s confidence As team captain, he soon won the confidence of the players.winplayerinspire confidence (=make people have confidence) Our education system should inspire public confidence.shallrestore confidence (=make people have confidence again) Interest rate reductions would restore business confidence.reductionwillboost confidence (=make people have more confidence) The government is keen to boost consumer confidence and spending.bespendshake sb’s confidence (=make them have less confidence) The stock market fall has shaken the confidence of investors.haveshakeinvestorundermine/damage/weaken sb’s confidence (=make someone have less confidence) The situation in the US was undermining foreign confidence in the dollar.beunderminedestroy/shatter confidence in somebody/something A further crisis has destroyed public confidence in the bank.farhavedestroyphraseshave every/complete/absolute confidence in somebody/something A manager must be able to have complete confidence in his staff.a lack of confidence the public’s lack of confidence in the National Health Servicea crisis of confidence (=a situation in which people no longer trust a government, system etc) the crisis of confidence over food safetyADJECTIVES/NOUN + confidencepublic confidence The changes should improve public confidence in the system.changeshallconsumer confidence (=that ordinary people have when the economic situation is good) Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest for two years.havefalllowyearbusiness confidence (=that businesses have when the economic situation is good) The region has gained 46,000 jobs and business confidence is high.havegainjobbeinvestor confidence (=that investors have when the economic situation is good) A fall in the value of shares damages investor confidence.sharedamageCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave confidence Young teenagers often don’t have a lot of confidence.teenagerbe full of confidence The team are full of confidence.bebrim with confidence (=be full of it) Clive walked into the room, brimming with confidence as usual.walkbrimexude/radiate confidence (=show it in a very noticeable way) As the leader, you have to exude confidence and authority.lack/be lacking in confidence She lacked the confidence to talk to people.lacklose (your) confidence He’d been out of work for six months and had lost all his confidence.bemonthhavelosegive somebody confidence I had really good teachers who gave me a lot of confidence in myself.haveteachergivegain confidence (also grow/gain in confidence) (=become more confident) Paul did well in the job and gained a lot of confidence.dogainboost/increase sb’s confidence (=make someone feel more confident) One of my stories was published, which really boosted my confidence.storybepublishboostbuild up sb’s confidence (=gradually increase it) When you’ve had an accident, it takes a while to build up your confidence again.havetakeundermine sb’s confidence (=gradually reduce it) His constant criticism was undermining my confidence.beunderminedent/shake sb’s confidence (=make it less strong) A bad experience like that can dent your confidence.destroy/shatter sb’s confidence When she failed her degree, it shattered her confidence.failshattersb’s confidence grows/increases Since she started her new school, her confidence has grown a lot.starthavegrownounsa confidence boost They offered me the job immediately, which was a real confidence boost.offerbeconfidence building (=making it develop) Training for a big match is all about confidence building.trainbebuildphrasesa lack of confidence She had always suffered from insecurity and a lack of confidence.havesuffera loss of confidence As people age, they may suffer from a loss of confidence.THESAURUSconfidence the feeling that you have the ability to do things well, and to not make mistakes or be nervous in new situations: You need patience and confidence to be a good teacher. | have the confidence to do something: ‘We have the confidence to beat Brazil,’ said Sampson.say | After the accident it took a long time before she had the confidence to get back in a car again.takehave | full of confidence (=very confident): I went into the test full of confidence, but it was more difficult than I had imagined.gobehaveimagineself-confidence a strong belief that you can do things well and that other people will like you, which means you behave confidently in most situations: He’s new in the job but he has plenty of self-confidence.have | Studies show that girls tend to lose some of their self-confidence in their teenage years.studygirlyear | Students who get some kind of work experience develop greater self-confidence and better communication skills.studentgreatwellskillmorale the level of confidence, satisfaction, and hope that people feel, especially a group of people who work together: low/high morale: Morale among the soldiers has been low.soldierhavebe | keep up morale (=keep it at a high level): They sang songs to keep up their morale until the rescuers arrived.singsongrescuerarriveassurance/self-assurance a feeling of calm confidence in your own abilities, especially because you have a lot of experience: She envied the older woman’s assurance.envyold | Danby spoke to the committee with the self-assurance of an expert.speakself-esteem the feeling that you are someone who deserves to be liked and respected: Getting a job did a lot for her self-esteem.getdo | Sports should build a child’s self-esteem, not damage it.sportshall
noun [countable]Word family a substance used in chemistry or produced by a chemical processtoxic/hazardous/dangerous chemicalsthe organic chemicals industrychemicalsynthetic chemicalschemicalCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesdangerous/harmful Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful.cleanproductchemicalhazardous (=very dangerous) There are major problems over the disposal of hazardous chemicals.beproblemchemicaltoxic/poisonous (=containing poison) The chemicals that were released were highly toxic.chemicalbereleasebesynthetic chemicals (=made by mixing artificial substances) A synthetic chemical is, in theory, identical to that found in nature.befindorganic chemicals (=containing natural substances including carbon) Oil and coal are known as organic chemicals.beknowchemicalindustrial/agricultural chemicals (=used in industry/in farming) Some deaths from cancer are related to industrial chemicals.deathberelatechemicalverbsuse chemicals Farmers use chemicals to kill insects that would destroy their crops.farmerchemicalinsectwillcropproduce chemicals the dangerous chemicals produced by burning oilchemicalproduceburnbe exposed to chemicals Some of the troops were exposed to chemicals.troopbeexposechemicalchemical + NOUNthe chemical industry The chemical industry is one of the most important industrial sectors.besectora chemical plant (=factory producing chemicals) There has been an explosion at a chemical plant in Germany.havebea chemical fertilizer (=chemicals to help plants grow) Many crops are grown with chemical fertilizers.cropbegrowfertilizerchemical waste the risks from pollution and chemical wasteriskchemical weapons (=poisonous chemicals used as weapons) a global treaty banning chemical weaponsbanweaponchemical warfare (=the use of chemical weapons in wars) There is now also the threat of chemical warfare.be
chemicaladjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus exampleschemicalchemicalchemical2 W3 AC adjective [only before noun]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Modern Latin
Origin: chimicus ‘alchemist’, from Medieval Latin alchimicus, from alchymia; → ALCHEMY relating to substances, the study of substances, or processes involving changes in substances:
the chemical composition of bleacha chemical analysis of the soil—chemicallychemically /-kli/ adverb: Chemically, the substances are similar.substancebe
verb (past tense forgot /-ˈɡɒt $ -ˈɡɑːt/, past participle forgotten /-'ɡɒtn $ -ˈɡɑːtn/)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: forgietan Verb form1facts/information [intransitive and transitive]FORGET to not remember facts, information, or people or things from the past:
I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name.forgetI know you told me, but I forgot.tellforgetWhat happened that day will never be forgotten.happenforgetforget aboutKarl says he forgot about our date.sayforgetShe forgot all about their anniversary.forgetforget (that)I forgot that there’s a speed limit here.forgetforget how/what/when/why etcHow can you forget where you’ve parked the car?parkHe’s someone who never forgets a face (=forgets who someone is).forgetI was forgetting ... (=said when you have just remembered or been reminded about something) spoken: Oh yes, I was forgetting she was pregnant.bebe2something you must doFORGET [intransitive and transitive] to not remember to do something that you should do: ‘Did you remember to post that letter?’ ‘Oh, sorry, I forgot.’doforgetGive me your phone number before I forget (=forget to get it).numbforget to do somethingSomeone’s forgotten to turn off their headlights.forgetheadlightclean forget American English (=completely forget)He meant to invite Monica, but he clean forgot.meanforget3leave something somewhere [transitive] to not remember to bring something that you need with youforget your keys/money/cigarettes etcOh no, I’ve forgotten my wallet.forget4stop thinking about [intransitive and transitive]FORGET to stop thinking or worrying about someone or something: Forget him, he’s not worth it.At my age, I think I can forget fashion.forget (that)After a while you’ll forget you’re wearing contact lenses.wearlensforget aboutI’ll never be able to forget about the accident.5not care about [intransitive and transitive]DON'T CARE to not care about or give attention to someone or something any longerforget aboutDon’t forget about your old friends when you go off to college, okay?friendYou can’t afford to forget your relationship with your husband.6stop a plan [intransitive and transitive]STOP DOING STH to stop planning to do something because it is no longer possible or sensibleforget aboutWe’ll have to forget about going on holiday.goIf we can’t get any funding we might as well forget the whole thing.fund7not forgetting somethingAND/ALSO British English used to add something to a list of things you have mentioned: You’ll have to pay for the packaging and transportation costs, not forgetting airport taxes.packagecosttax8forget yourselfCONTROL a)to do something stupid or embarrassing, especially by losing control of your emotions: Lisa forgot herself and reached out to touch his knee.forgetreach b)British English to become so involved in something that you do not think about or notice anything else SYN lose yourselfforget yourself in somethingOften he would forget himself in his work for hours.willhourSPOKEN PHRASES9don’t forget a)REMEMBERused to remind someone to do something: We need bread, milk, and eggs – don’t forget.eggdon’t forget to do somethingDon’t forget to lock up when you leave. b)REMEMBERused to remind someone about an important fact or detail that they should considerdon’t forget (that)But don’t forget that you have to pay interest on the loan.Don’t forget, I’ll be home late tonight. c)used to remind someone to take something with them: Don’t forget your sandwiches.sandwich10forget it spoken a)UNIMPORTANTused to tell someone that something is not important and they do not need to worry about it: ‘Sorry I didn’t phone.’ ‘Forget it.’ b)TALK TO SBSTOP DOING STHused to tell someone to stop asking or talking about something, because it is annoying you: I’m not coming with you, so forget it.come c)REFUSEIMPOSSIBLE (also forget that! American English) used to tell someone that you refuse to do something or that it will be impossible to do something: ‘Can you lend me $10.’ ‘Forget it, no way.’If you’re thinking of getting Roy to help, you can forget it!thinkget d)REPEAT#used when someone asks you what you just said and you do not want to repeat it: ‘What did you say?’ ‘ Nothing, just forget it.’do11I’ll never forget somethingREMEMBER used to say that you will always remember something from the past, because it was sad, funny, enjoyable etc: I’ll never forget the look on his face when he opened the door.open12aren’t you forgetting ...?/haven’t you forgotten ...?REMEMBER used to remind someone about something, often humorously: Aren’t you forgetting that you’re already married?marry13I forgetFORGET used to say that you cannot remember a particular detail about somethingI forget what/where/how etcI forget what he said exactly but it was very rude.saybeI forget the name/details etcI forget the name of the street, but it’s the first on the left.leave14and don’t you forget it!REMEMBER used to remind someone angrily about an important fact that should make them behave differently: I’m the boss around here, and don’t you forget it!THESAURUSforget to not remember something or someone: I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name.forget | It was an experience she would never forget.bewilldon’t remember/can’t remember used when saying that you have forgotten something: I know I needed something at the shops, but I can’t remember what it was.needshopbehave no recollection of something formal to not remember anything about something that happened in the past: He told the jury that he had no recollection of the accident.tellhaveslip your mind especially spoken if something that you must do slips your mind, you forget to do it because you are busy thinking about other things: I’m sorry I didn’t call. There was so much going on that it completely slipped my mind.begoslipit goes in one ear and out the other spoken used to say that someone forgets what you tell them very quickly because they are not interested or do not listen properly: With kids you have to say everything twice. It all goes in one ear and out the other.kidgomy mind goes blank especially spoken used to say that you are suddenly unable to remember something at a time when you need it: I was so nervous that my mind went blank as soon as they asked me a question.begoaskto try to forget somethingforget to deliberately try not to think about something sad or unpleasant: After the divorce came through, I just wanted to forget about it all.comewantput something out of your mind to make yourself stop thinking about something that stops you concentrating or makes you angry, sad, or nervous: When I’m competing I put everything out of my mind and concentrate on winning.competewinput something behind you to stop thinking about something sad or unpleasant that happened to you in the past, so that you can continue with your life and be happy: It can take a long time to put a traumatic experience like that behind you.take/keep your mind off something to do something that helps you stop thinking about a problem for a short time: Sara went out for a walk to try and take her mind off things.gothingblot something out to forget an unpleasant memory or thought, by deliberately stopping yourself from thinking about it: He started drinking heavily in an effort to blot out the thought of what he had done.startdrinkthinkhavedo | I wanted to blot out the events of the previous day.wanteventshut somebody/something out to deliberately forget someone or something and not let them be part of your thoughts and feelings: The marriage was a disaster, and her husband shut her out of his life completely.be
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: dette, from Latin debitum, from debere ‘to owe’ 1[countable]OWE a sum of money that a person or organization owesdebt of
She had debts of over £100,000.havedebtHe had enough money to pay off his outstanding debts.havedebtstudents who run up huge debtsstudentdebt2[uncountable]OWE when you owe money to someone OPP creditin debt (to somebody)Nearly half the students said they were in debt.studentsaybeThe band will be in debt to the record company for years.year£200/$1,000 etc in debtA rash business decision left him $600 in debt.leaveget/run/fall etc into debtThe club sank deeper into debt.sinkdeepbe heavily/deeply in debt (=owe a lot of money)3EFFECT/INFLUENCE[countable usually singular] the degree to which you have learned from or been influenced by someone or something elsedebt toBraque acknowledged his debt to Impressionist painting.acknowledgepaint4debt of gratitude/thanksTHANK the fact of being grateful to someone who has helped you: I owe a debt of gratitude to my tutors.tutorCOLLOCATIONSverbshave debts Fortunately, I have no debts.debtrun up debts (also amass debts formal) (=borrow more and more money) At that time he was drinking a lot and running up debts.bedrinkrundebtpay off a debt (=pay the money back) The first thing I'm going to do is pay off my debts.gobedebtrepay/settle a debt formal (=pay the money back) He was hoping he would soon have enough money to settle his debts.behopewilldebtclear your debts (=repay all of them) It took him three years to clear his bank debts.takeyeardebtservice a debt (=pay the interest on a debt, but not pay it back) By then, she was borrowing more money just to service her debts.beborrowdebtwrite off/cancel a debt (=say officially that it does not have to be paid) The bank finally agreed to write off the debt.agreebe burdened with/saddled with debts (=have big debts) Many poor countries are saddled with huge debts.countrybesaddledebtreduce a debt The programme aims to reduce the debt of the world's poorest countries.aimpoorcountryADJECTIVES/NOUN + debtbig/large The debts got bigger and bigger.debtgetbigbighuge (=very big) Young people often leave university with huge debts.debtunpaid/outstanding (=not yet paid) The average outstanding debt on credit cards in Britain is now over £3,000.cardbeheavy debts (=big debts) The company wanted to reduce its heavy debts.wantdebta bad debt (=one that is unlikely to be paid back) Companies lose millions of pounds each year from having to write off bad debts.companypoundhavedebta bank debt (=one that you owe to a bank) The company closed with bank debts of about £350 million.closedebtthe national debt (=the total amount that is owed by the government of a country) Their national debt is the third largest in the world.belargeTHESAURUSloan noun [countable] an amount of money that is borrowed, especially from a bank or company, which you agree to pay back by the end of a period of time: We took out a loan to buy a new car.take | He is paying back a $50,000 loan.bepaymortgage noun [countable] a large amount of money that someone borrows from a bank or company to buy a house: Nick told me the mortgage on his apartment is worth about $90,000.tellbe | Anyone taking out a mortgage should be aware that interest rates can go up at any time.takeshallrate | It took my parents nearly thirty years to pay off their mortgage.takeparentyearinterest noun [uncountable] money that you pay for borrowing money, especially that you pay every year or every month at a fixed rate: Credit companies charge huge amounts of interest.companyamount | What’s the interest on the loan?overdraft noun [countable] British English the amount of money that you owe to bank when you have spent more money than you had in your account: I left university with no job and a big overdraft.leave | 20% of the bank’s customers regularly use their overdraft facility.customer | You have to pay a fee for unauthorized overdrafts.overdraftdebt noun [uncountable and countable] an amount of money that a person or organization owes: The company now has debts of almost £2 million.havedebt | A lot of the money went towards paying his debts.gopaydebt | The family were $100,000 in debt (=they owed $100,000).becredit noun [uncountable] an arrangement with a shop or bank that allows you to buy something and pay for it later: We bought the furniture on credit.buy | He had a credit limit of £7,000.have
adjective (comparative brighter, superlative brightest)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: beorht 1LIGHTBRIGHTlight shining strongly, or with plenty of light:
Her eyes were hurting from the bright lights.eyebehurtlightbright sunshinea large bright room2sunny if the weather is bright, the sun is shining and there is a lot of light OPP dull: The weather was bright and sunny.bea bright autumn day3INTELLIGENTINTELLIGENTintelligent intelligent and able to learn things quickly: He was an exceptionally bright child.bea bright ambitious young man4a bright idea a very good idea – sometimes used ironically (ironic): Whose bright idea was this?beHe is constantly coming up with bright ideas for making money.becomeideamake5COLOURSBRIGHTcolours bright colours are strong and easy to see: a bright red jumperI never wear bright colours.colour6CHEERFULHAPPYENERGETICcheerful happy and full of energy: Her voice was bright and cheerful.beShe gave him a bright smile.giveHe looked up at me with bright eyes.lookeye7successful if the future looks bright, you think that something will be successful SYN promising: The school’s future now looks very bright.lookI’m sure the company has a bright future now.have8as bright as a buttonINTELLIGENT very intelligent and full of energy9look on the bright sideHOPE to see the good points in a situation that seems to be bad: Come on, try to look on the bright side.10bright and earlyEARLY very early in the morning: He was up bright and early, keen to get started.bestart11bright spark informalINTELLIGENT someone who says or does something that they think is intelligent but is really wrong or stupid: Some bright spark thought the building was on fire and called the fire brigade.thinkbuildbecall12bright and breezyENERGETIC happy and confident13bright-eyed and bushy-tailedENTHUSIASTIC happy and full of energy14the bright lightsEXCITED the interesting exciting life in a big city: She missed the bright lights of London.misslight15bright spotNICE an event or a period of time that is more pleasant when everything else is unpleasant: The only bright spot of the weekend was our trip to the theatre.be—brightlybrightly adverb: The sun shone brightly.shinebrightly coloured clothescolourclotheShe smiled brightly.smile—brightnessbrightnessesbrightness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSa bright lightbright shining strongly: The sunshine was very bright.be | the bright light of the torchstrong very bright: Photographs fade if they are exposed to strong sunlight.photographbeexposebrilliant extremely bright, especially in a way that seems good: The garden was full of brilliant autumn sunshine.bedazzling a dazzling light is so bright that it hurts your eyes and you cannot look at it: dazzling headlightsdazzleheadlight | the dazzling reflection from the mirrordazzleblinding a blinding light is very bright and makes you unable to see for a short time after you have looked at it: There was a sudden blinding light, followed by the sound of a huge explosion.beblindfollowharsh a harsh light is bright and unpleasant: In the harsh light of the kitchen, she looked older than she was.lookoldbegood if the light is good in a place where you are working, it is bright enough for you to see what you are doing: The light wasn’t good enough to read.a bright placebright full of light: I wish the room was a bit brighter.bebitebrightlight bright because there are big windows: The dining room was light and airy.dinebewell-lit bright because there are plenty of electric lights: Try to park in a well-lit place.light
verb [transitive]Sense 1-2:Date: 1300-1400
Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of afficere ‘to influence’, from ad- ‘to’ + facere ‘to do’Sense 3:
Date: 1400-1500
Language: French
Origin: affecter, from Latin affectare, from afficere Verb form1EFFECT/INFLUENCEto do something that produces an effect or change in something or in someone’s situation:
the areas affected by the hurricaneareaaffecta disease that affects the central nervous systemaffectdecisions which affect our livesdecisionliveTrading has been adversely affected by the downturn in consumer spending.tradehavebeaffectspend2[usually passive]EMOTIONAL to make someone feel strong emotions: We were all deeply affected by her death.beaffect3formalPRETEND to pretend to have a particular feeling, way of speaking etc: As usual, Simon affected complete boredom.affectHe used to affect a foreign accent.use
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: ferme ‘rent, lease’, from Latin firmus ‘firm, fixed’ 1an area of land used for growing crops or keeping animals:
a 300-hectare farmfarm workersworkerfarm animalsanimalJoe had worked on the farm all his life.haveworka pig/dairy/cattle etc farmHe runs a pig farm in Lincolnshire.run ► Say on a farm not ‘in a farm’.2the main house on a farm where the farmer lives → factory farm at factory farming, → fish farm, funny farmCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + farma 300-hectare/400-acre etc farm He bought a 300-hectare farm in Shropshire.buya pig/sheep/cattle farm A pig farm in Dorset is the suspected source of the epidemic.besuspecta dairy farm (=a farm that has cows and produces milk) Checks are made on milk from local dairy farms.checkbemakefarman arable farm (=a farm where crops are grown) Tractors represent the single biggest cost on most arable farms.tractorbigfarma fruit farm He lives on a fruit farm and helps to pick apples.livehelpapplean organic farm (=a farm where artificial chemicals are not used) Organic farms can be as productive as industrial farming.farmfarma factory farm (=one in which animals are kept inside, in small spaces, and made to grow or produce eggs very quickly ) Pigs in factory farms are fed a mixture of grains and proteins.pigfarmbefeedgrainproteinfarm + NOUNa farm worker We rely on migrant farm workers to pick the crop.workera farm labourer British English, a farm laborer American English The cottages were built for the farm labourers.cottagebebuildlabourera farm building The farmhouse is separated by hedges from other farm buildings.beseparatehedgebuildingfarm animals It is used mainly for feeding farm animals.beusefeedanimalfarm machinery In the field, there was a tractor and some other farm machinery.befarm produce Moldova provides Russia with large quantities of farm produce.providequantityverbswork on a farm I used to work on a farm when I was younger.usebeyounglive on a farm She lives on a farm in Wiltshire.livemanage/run a farm He manages a large dairy farm.manageown/have a farm The family owned a small farm in Suffolk.owngrow something on a farm They grew wheat and barley on their farm.growTHESAURUSfarm an area of land, used for growing crops or keeping animals: a 300-hectare farm | a dairy farm | a sheep farmranch a very large farm in the western US, Canada, or South America where sheep, cattle, or horses are bred: a cattle ranch in Wyomingsmallholding British English a piece of land used for farming, that is smaller than an ordinary farm: a smallholding used for organic farmingusefarmplantation a large area of land in a hot country, where crops such as tea, cotton, and sugar are grown: a rubber plantation | a tea plantationhomestead a piece of land for farming that was given to people in the past by the US and Canadian governments: He still farms on the family homestead, a hundred years after his grandfather received it.farmyearreceivespread American English informal an area of land used for farming or ranching: They have a pretty big spread just south of the Canadian border.market garden an area of land, often with greenhouses on it, used for growing vegetables and fruit: He runs his own market garden, and sells his produce to the big supermarkets.runsellsupermarketorchard an area of land with trees, used for growing fruit: an apple orchard | cherry orchardsorchardallotment British English a small area of land of land, especially in a town or city, which you can use for growing your own vegetables.The land is usually owned by the local council, who charge a very low rent: We grew the tomatoes on our allotment.growtomatoagriculture the practice of farming: More than 75% of the land is used for agriculture.beusearable adjective relating to growing crops: a lack of arable land
farmverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfarmfarmsfarmedfarmingfarmfarm2 verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form1to use land for growing crops or keeping animals: The family has farmed here for generations.havefarmgenerationThe land has been farmed organically since 1995.havebefarm2farmed salmon/fish/rabbits etc fish and animals that have been raised on farms, and not caught from the wildfarm somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1RESPONSIBLEto send work to other people instead of doing it yourselffarm somebody/something ↔ out toThe processing will be farmed out to people in local villages.processfarmvillage2to send someone to a different place where they will be looked after – used to show disapprovalfarm somebody/something ↔ out toAt the age of 16 she was farmed out to family friends.befarmfriend
verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]PROMISE to tell someone that you will definitely do or provide something or that something will happen: Last night the headmaster promised a full investigation.promisepromise to do somethingShe’s promised to do all she can to help.promisepromise (that)Hurry up – we promised we wouldn’t be late.promisepromise somebody (that)You promised me the car would be ready on Monday.promisewill‘Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.’ ‘I promise.’winpromise something to somebodyI’ve promised that book to Ian, I’m afraid.promisepromise somebody somethingThe company promised us a bonus this year.promise‘I’ll be back by 1.00.’ ‘Promise?’ ‘Yes! Don’t worry.’He reappeared two hours later, as promised.reappearhourlatepromise2[transitive]EXPECT to show signs of somethingpromise to be somethingTonight’s meeting promises to be a difficult one.meetpromisedark clouds promising showers latercloudpromiseshowerlate3promise somebody the moon/the earthPROMISE to promise to give someone something that is impossible for you to give4I can’t promise (anything) spokenPROMISE# used to tell someone that you will try to do what they want, but may not be able to: I’ll try my best to get tickets, but I can’t promise anything.wellticket5I promise you spoken used to emphasize a promise, warning, or statement: I promise you, it does work!doTHESAURUSpromise to tell someone that you will definitely do something, or that something will happen: He promised to give the book back.promise | The organisers have promised that this year’s event will take place.promiseswear to make a very serious and sincere promise, for example in a law court: He had sworn to tell the truth.haveswear | I would never do that, I swear.willgive somebody your word especially spoken to promise sincerely that you will do something or that something is true – often used when you are trying to persuade someone that they can trust you: I give you my word that your money is safe with me.be | I’ll let you go out tonight if you give me your word that you’ll be home by 11.vow to make a very serious promise, often to yourself: She vowed that she would never drink alcohol again.vowwill | They vowed to carry on their campaign for justice.vowassure to promise someone that something will happen or that something is true, in order to try to make them feel less worried: Police have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find the killer.assurebedoguarantee to promise that you will make sure that something will definitely happen, so that there is no question of it not happening: I guarantee that you will have the documents by tomorrow.document | How can you guarantee that this won’t happen again?winpledge to promise publicly or officially that you will do something, for example to give help or money: The government has pledged to increase overseas aid to $4 billion over the next five years.havepledgeyearundertake formal to make an official or legal promise to do something: The government undertook to keep price increases to a minimum.undertakeincrease | The two sides undertook to respect each other’s territory.sideundertakecommit to something formal to make a firm and definite promise to do something important, which will affect you for a long time and which could result in serious effects if you fail: Bobby felt unready to commit to a romantic relationship.feel | A group of 11 companies has committed to developing a new passenger plane.companyhavecommitdevelop
promisenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespromisepromisespromisepromise2 S3 W2 nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: promissum, from the past participle of promittere ‘to send out, promise’ 1[countable]PROMISE a statement that you will definitely do or provide something or that something will definitely happenpromise of
We received promises of support from several MPs.receivepromisepromise toHe would never break his promise to his father.willpromise to do somethingShe made a promise to visit them once a month.makepromise thatHe promised that he’d pick me up.promise2[uncountable]SIGN/INDICATION signs that something or someone will be good or successful: a young man full of promiseBill shows great promise as a goalkeeper.showShe didn’t fulfil her early promise.3[singular, uncountable] a sign that something, usually something good, may happenpromise ofthe promise of springThe letter gave a promise of greater happiness.givegreatCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsmake a promise I made a promise to my mother that I’d look after Dad.makekeep a promise (also fulfil a promise British English, fulfill a promise American English formal) (=do what you promised to do) She said she would come back, and she kept her promise.saywillkeep | The mayor has fulfilled his promise to get tough on corruption.havefulfilbreak a promise (=not do what you promised to do) Once again, the government has broken its promises.havebreakpromisego back on your promise (=break it) They were angry that the company had gone back on its promise.behavegorenege on a promise formal (=break it) It is tempting for the government to renege on its promise.betempthave sb’s promise (=they have promised you something) ‘It’ll remain a secret?’ ‘Yes, you have my promise.’hold somebody to their promise (=make them keep it) The next day, Gareth held me to my promise to take him fishing.holdfishADJECTIVES/NOUN + promisea solemn promise As governor, I made a solemn promise to defend the laws of the Republic.makelawa firm promise (=definite) What had happened to all those firm promises of help?havehappenpromisea vague promise (=not definite) Larry made some vague promises to leave his wife.makepromisea false/empty/hollow promise (=one that will not be kept) I didn’t make any false promises.promisea broken promise (=one that has not been kept) There have been too many broken promises.bebreakpromisea campaign/election promise He was accused of breaking a campaign promise not to raise taxes.beaccusebreaktaxCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsshow promise (=seem likely to be good or successful) She showed promise as a singer at an early age.showhold promise (=seem likely to be good or successful – used of things) The Internet clearly held great promise as an educational tool.holdfulfil your/its promise (also live up to your/its promise) (=be as good as expected) This young player has begun to fulfil his promise.havebegin | The rest of this movie never quite lives up to the promise of that opening moment.liveopenadjectivesgreat promise He’d initially shown great promise as a goalkeeper.showearly promise Tracey showed early promise in mathematics.showTHESAURUSpromise a statement that you will definitely do or provide something, which may not be reliable: ‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’ ‘Is that a promise?’be | Politicians are always making promises.politicianbemakepromisepledge a public or official promise to do a particular thing in the future: The Government has fulfilled at least 50% of its election pledges.havefulfillittlepledge | We have received pledges of help from various organizations.receivepledgeorganizationvow a very serious promise to do something or not to do something that you choose to make: He made a vow never to drink alcohol again.make | your marriage vowsvowoath a formal promise, especially one that someone makes in a court of law: Witnesses swear a solemn oath to tell the truth.witness | Public officials must take an oath to support the US Constitution.officialundertaking a serious or public promise to do something, especially something difficult which needs a lot of effort or money: The police have given an undertaking to reduce street crime in the city centre.giveundertake | He was made to sign a written undertaking that he would not go within a mile of her house.bemakewriteundertakewillassurance a promise that something will happen or is true, made so that someone is less worried or more confident: You have my assurance that it won’t happen again.win | The manager gave me his personal assurance that the goods would be delivered today.givegoodwilldeliverguarantee a very definite promise that something will happen. A guarantee is also a formal written promise by a company to repair or replace a product free if it has a fault within a fixed period of time.: With any diet, there’s no guarantee of success. | I’m afraid I can’t give you a 100% guarantee. | Is the camera still under guarantee (=within the period during which it can be repaired or replaced free)?be
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: Medieval Latin districtus ‘area under control of a lord or judge’, from districtus ‘taken hold of, forced’, from the past participle of Latin distringere; → DISTRESS1 1TOWNCOUNTRYSIDEan area of a town or the countryside, especially one with particular featuresrural/financial/theatre etc district
a house in a pleasant suburban district2an area of a country, city etc that has official borders: a postal districtCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + districta rural district (=in the countryside) There are few schools in the rural districts of Bangladesh.beschooldistrictan urban district (=in a town) In 1911 over three-quarters of the British people lived in urban districts.quarterlivedistrictthe surrounding districts (=in the area around or next to something) The market attracts farmers from the surrounding district.attractfarmersurrounda financial/business/commercial district (=where there are a lot of banks and other businesses) He works in San Francisco’s financial district.worka shopping district The bomb exploded in a crowded shopping district.explodecrowdshopan entertainment district (=where there are a lot of bars, clubs etc) Visitors to Roppongi, Tokyo’s entertainment district, come to experience the latest fashions and have fun.visitorlatefashiona theatre district British English, a theater district AmE: The restaurant is located in the middle of New York’s theater district.belocatea residential district (=where people live rather than work) It is one of Paris’ most exclusive residential districts.bedistricta poor/wealthy district (=where a lot of people are poor/rich) He lived in one of London’s poorest districts.livepoordistricta slum district (=where poor people live in very bad conditions) Rats were running all over the slum districts.ratberundistricta fashionable district (=popular with rich or well-known people) Brompton became a fashionable district to live in.becomeTHESAURUSarea a part of a town or country, or of the world: They live in a very wealthy area. | coastal areasarearegion a large area of a country or the world: the northwest region of Russia | desert regionsregionzone an area that is different from other areas around it in some way: a war zone | a no-parking zonepark | We crossed two different time zonesareas where there is a particular time compared to the rest of the world.crossbecomparedistrict one of the areas a city or town is officially divided into, or an area of a city where a particular group live or an activity happens: the Chelsea district of Manhattan | the business/financial/theatre etc district: the financial district of Londonneighbourhood British English, neighborhood American English /ˈneɪbəhʊd $ -ər-/ an area of a town where people live: a friendly neighbourhood | There are lots of trees in our neighborhood.belottreesuburb an area outside the centre of a city, where people live: a suburb of Bostonquarter an area of a town or city where people of a particular nationality live: the French quarter of New Orleansslum an area of a city that is in very bad condition, where many poor people live: He grew up in the slums of East London.growslumghetto an area of a city where poor people of a particular race or class live: a black baby born in the ghetto
noun (plural strategies)Word familyDate: 1800-1900Language: Greek
Origin: strategia ‘art of leading an army’, from strategos; → STRATAGEM 1[countable]PLANWAY/METHOD a planned series of actions for achieving something:
the government’s long-term economic strategya company’s business strategystrategy for doing somethinga strategy for dealing with crimedealstrategy to do somethinga strategy to attract younger audiences to jazzyoungaudience2PLAN[uncountable and countable] the skill of planning the movements of armies in a war, or an example of this: military strategiesstrategyIt is the general’s role to develop overall strategy.be3[uncountable]PLAN skilful planning in general: The company must first resolve questions of strategy.questionCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesan economic strategy The government has changed its economic strategy.havechangea business strategy This is a high-risk business strategy.bea marketing strategy The firm is considering a change in its marketing strategy.beconsidermarketa political strategy Baldwin’s political strategy was almost totally successful.bea coping strategy Therapists can show a child new coping strategies.therapistcopestrategya survival strategy He says his father’s withdrawal was a survival strategy.saybea successful/effective strategy The most successful strategy is often the simplest one.besimplea clear/coherent strategy It is important that the company has a clear strategy.behavea high-risk strategy The expansion plan is a high-risk strategy.bea long-term strategy The closure of these branches is part of our long-term strategy.branchbeverbsuse a strategy (also employ a strategy formal) What strategies do you use to deal with these problems?strategyproblemadopt a strategy (=start to use it) Both players adopted the same strategy.playeradoptdevise/work out a strategy (also formulate a strategy formal) We had to devise strategies for saving money.havestrategysavedevelop a strategy Groups can help members develop new coping strategies.groupmembercopestrategyevolve a strategy The creatures which live in the river have evolved strategies for surviving sudden floods.creatureevolvestrategysurvivefloodpursue/follow a strategy (=do a particular planned series of actions) They are pursuing different strategies.bepursuestrategyimplement a strategy formal (=do a series of actions that you or someone else has planned) The firm faces several challenges as it seeks to implement that strategy.facechallengeseeka strategy works The Government’s economic strategy was not working.bework
adjectiveDate: 1600-1700Origin: Probably from extraordinary 1MORE/EXTRA[only before noun] more of something, in addition to the usual or standard amount or number:
Could you get an extra loaf of bread?canAllow extra time for your journey.Drivers are advised to take extra care.driverbeadviseResidents can use the gym at no extra cost.residentan extra ten minutes/three metres etcI asked for an extra two weeks to finish the work.askweek2[not before noun] if something is extra, it is not included in the price of something and you have to pay more for it OPP included: Dinner costs $15 but wine is extra.costbeTHESAURUSextra in addition to the usual or standard cost, time, amount etc: They let the kids stay up an extra hour.kid | Some stores charge extra for delivery.store | Postage is extra.beadditional [only before noun] more than the basic amount or the amount that you expected or agreed. Additional is more formal than extra: An evening job would provide additional income.evenwill | There may be an additonal charge for paying bills by credit card.paybilladded [only before noun ] extra – used when talking about something that makes something better or more effective: an added benefitadd | an added precautionadd | It was a beautiful place, and the good weather was an added bonus.bebeadd | Use a sunscreen for added protection.addspare [only before noun] kept in addition to the one you usually use, so that it is available if the one you usually use breaks, gets lost etc: a spare key | a spare tyre | a spare set of clothesclothe
extrapronounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesextraextraextra2 pronoun MORE/EXTRAan amount of something, especially money, in addition to the usual, basic, or necessary amount SYN morepay/charge/cost etc extraI earn extra for working on Sunday.work
extraadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesextraextraextra3 adverb1in addition to the usual things or the usual amount: They need to offer something extra to attract customers.customerone/a few etc extraI got a few extra in case anyone else decides to come.getdecideI’ll be making $400 extra a month.make2[+ adjective/adverb]EMPHASIZE used to emphasize an adjective or adverb: You’re going to have to work extra hard to pass the exam.goan extra special effort
extranounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesextraextrasextraextra4 noun [countable]1ADDsomething which is added to a basic product or service that improves it and often costs more: Tinted windows and a sunroof are optional extras (=something that you can choose to have or not).tintwindowbeextraBe careful, there may be hidden extras (=additional charges which you are not told about).hideextraIt’s got lots of useful little extras.getlotextra2an actor in a film who does not say anything but is part of a crowd: He started his acting career as an extra.startactTHESAURUSactor someone who performs in a play or film: Her son wants to be an actor.want | Both my parents are actors.parentbeactoractress a woman who performs in a play or film. Many women prefer to be called actors rather than actresses: Who was the actress who played Jane Eyre?beplay | She’s one of my favourite actresses.actressstar a famous actor: Julia Roberts is a famous Hollywood star.be | The hotel is popular with movie stars.bestarthe star someone who plays the most important part in a play or film: Daniel Radcliffe is the star of the ‘Harry Potter’ films.befilmco-star one of two or more famous actors who have important parts in a play or film: Her co-star Jodie Foster won the Best Actress Award.winwellthe lead the main acting part in a play or film: He will play the lead in a new version of ‘Dracula’.extra an actor in a film who does not say anything but is part of a crowd: She started her career as an extra in TV soap operas.startoperaunderstudy an actor who learns a part in a play so that they can act the part if the usual actor is ill: Vanessa had flu, and her place was taken by her understudy, Miss Lisa Fennell.havebetake
noun
Word family1towards [countable]DIRECTION the way something or someone moves, faces, or is aimed: Which direction did they go in?doin the direction of somethingThe suspects were last seen heading in the direction of Miami.suspectbeseeheadin sb’s directionTony glanced in her direction and their eyes met.glanceeyemeetThe girls pointed in the opposite direction.girlpointOn seeing me, Maurice changed direction and went along the wharf instead.seechangegoAs shots rang out, the crowd ran screaming in all directions.shotringrunscreamdirectionfrom the direction of somethingThere was a loud scream from the direction of the children’s pool.bechildin a southerly/easterly etc directionContinue in a southerly direction until you reach the road.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually use which way ...? when asking where something is rather than using the noun direction: Which direction did they go in? ➔ Which way did they go? | Which direction is north? ➔ Which way is north?2directions [plural]INSTRUCTIONSWAY/ROUTE a)instructions about how to get from one place to another: A very helpful woman gave me directions to the police station.givedirection b)instructions about what to do: Be sure you read the directions before using any piece of equipment.directionuse3way something develops [countable]WAY/MANNER the general way in which someone or something changes or develops: We are happy with the direction the club is taking.bebetakemove/head/go in the right directionI believe that things are heading in the right direction in South Africa.thingbeheadnew/different/exciting etc directionThe company is hoping to extend its operations in new directions.behopeoperationdirection4control [uncountable]CONTROL control, management, or adviceunder sb’s directionUnder Thompson’s direction, the college has developed an international reputation.havedevelop5where from or where to [countable]DIRECTION where something comes from or where something leadsin a directionThe evidence all points in this direction.pointfrom a directionHelp came from a wholly unexpected direction.come6purpose [uncountable]PURPOSE a general purpose or aim: Her mother felt that Rachel’s life lacked direction.feellack7film/play [uncountable] the instructions given to the actors and other people working on a film, play etc → a step in the right direction at step1(2)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsgo in a direction I can give you a lift if you're going in my direction.gomove/head in a direction We followed the other passengers heading in the direction of passport control.followpassengerheadlook/glance in a direction She looked in the direction that Jeremy was pointing.lookbepointface (in) a direction The men were facing the direction from which they expected the attack.manbefaceexpectchange direction (=start to go in a different direction) Suddenly the birds changed direction.birdchangeadjectivesthe right/wrong direction Are you sure this is the right direction for Shipton?bebethe opposite direction The car crashed into a truck that was coming in the opposite direction.crashbecomea southerly/westerly etc direction A strong wind was blowing from an easterly direction.beblowphrasesin each/every direction (also in all directions) At the top of the tower there are splendid views in every direction.beviewin both directions The traffic in both directions on the motorway wasn't moving at all.directionmovein different directions They said goodbye and walked off in different directions.saywalkdirectionin the general direction of something (=approximately where something is) He pointed in the general direction of the village.pointin a clockwise/anticlockwise direction (=like or unlike the movement of the hands of a clock) All movement on a roundabout is in a clockwise direciton.bea sense of direction (=the ability to judge which way you should be going) Do you have a good sense of direction?the direction of movement/travel/flow etc It was hard work rowing against the direction of flow.berowCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsgive somebody directions Luke's given me directions to his house.givedirectionfollow directions You can't get lost if you follow my directions.losedirectionask (somebody) for directions Let's stop and ask someone for directions.directionget directions (=ask someone for directions) I went into a petrol station to get directions.godirectionadjectivesclear/good His directions were very clear and easy to follow.directionbe
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: langue ‘tongue, language’, from Latin lingua 1English/French/Arabic etc [uncountable and countable]LANGUAGE a system of communication by written or spoken words, which is used by the people of a particular country or area:
How many languages do you speak?languageone of the best-known poems in the English languagewellknowpoem2communication [uncountable]LANGUAGE the use of written or spoken words to communicate: the origins of languageorigin3style/type of wordsWORD, PHRASE, OR SENTENCE [uncountable] a particular style or type of wordslegal/medical/technical etc languageThe letter was written in complicated legal language.bewritecomplicatespoken/written languageThe expression is mainly used in written language.beusewriteordinary/everyday languageHe is able to explain complicated ideas in simple everyday language.becomplicateidealiterary/poetic languageThe plays are full of old-fashioned poetic language.playbefashionlanguage ofthe language of science4swearing [uncountable] informalSWEAR words that most people think are offensivemind/watch your language spoken (=stop swearing)bad/foul/abusive language5strong language a)ANGRYangry words used to tell people exactly what you mean b)SWEARwords that most people think are offensive SYN swearing6computers [uncountable and countable] technical a system of instructions for operating a computer: a programming language for the webprogram7signs/actions/sounds [uncountable and countable]WAY/METHOD signs, movements, or sounds that express ideas or feelingslanguage ofthe language of beesbeethe language of dolphinsdolphin → body language, sign language, → speak the same language at speak(11)COLLOCATIONSverbsspeak a language Can you speak a foreign language?use a language The children use their native language at home.childlearn a language Immigrants are expected to learn the language of their new country.immigrantbeexpectmaster a language (=succeed in learning a language well) She had had a long struggle to master the Russian language.havehaveknow a language He had lived in Japan, but did not know the language.havelivedoADJECTIVES/NOUN + languagea foreign language He found learning a foreign language extremely difficult.findlearnthe English/Japanese/Spanish etc language She had some knowledge of the Spanish language.havesb’s first/native language (=the language someone first learned as a child) His first language was Polish.bea second language (=a language you speak that is not your first language) Most of the students learned English as their second language.studentlearnmodern languages (=languages that are spoken now) The school has a good modern languages department.havelanguagea dead language (=a language that is no longer spoken) She didn’t see the point of learning a dead language.learnan official language (=the language used for official business in a country) Canada has two official languages: English and French.havelanguagea common language (=a language that more than one person or group speaks, so that they can understand each other) Most of the countries of South America share a common language: Spanish.countrylanguage + NOUNthe language barrier (=the problem of communicating with someone when you do not speak the same language) Because of the language barrier, it was hard for doctors to give good advice to patients.bedoctorpatienta language student/learner Language learners often have problems with tenses.learnerproblemtensea language teacher a book for language teachersteacherlanguage teaching recent developments in language teachingdevelopmentteachphrasessb’s command of a language (=someone’s ability to speak a language) Does he have a good command of the language?doTHESAURUSdifferent kinds of languagedialect a form of a language that is spoken in one area of a country, with different words, grammar, or pronunciation from other areas: Cantonese is only one of many Chinese dialects.bedialect | the local dialectaccent the way that someone pronounces words, because of where they were born or live, or their social class: Karen has a strong New Jersey accent.have | an upper class accentslang very informal spoken language, used especially by people who belong to a particular group, for example young people or criminals: Teenage slang changes all the time.change | ‘Dosh’ is slang for ‘money’.beterminology formal the technical words or expressions that are used in a particular subject: musical terminology | Patients are often unfamiliar with medical terminology.patientbejargon especially disapproving words and phrases used in a particular profession or subject and which are difficult for other people to understand: The instructions were written in complicated technical jargon.instructionbewritecomplicate | ‘Outsourcing’ is business jargon for sending work to people outside a company to do.besend | The letter was full of legal jargon.betechniques used in languagemetaphor a way of describing something by referring to it as something different and suggesting that it has similar qualities to that thing: The beehive is a metaphor for human society.besimile an expression that describes something by comparing it with something else, using the words as or like, for example ‘as white as snow’: The poet uses the simile ‘soft like clay’.useirony the use of words that are the opposite of what you really mean, often in order to be amusing: ‘I’m so happy to hear that,’ he said, with more than a trace of irony in his voice.saybathos a sudden change from a subject that is beautiful, moral, or serious to something that is ordinary, silly, or not important: The play is too sentimental and full of bathos.behyperbole a way of describing something by saying that it is much bigger, smaller, worse etc than it actually is – used especially to excite people’s feelings: In his speeches, he used a lot of hyperbole.speechuse | journalistic hyperbolealliteration the use of several words together that all begin with the same sound, in order to make a special effect, especially in poetry: the alliteration of the ‘s’ sound in ‘sweet birds sang softly’birdsingimagery the use of words to describe ideas or actions in a way that makes the reader connect the ideas with pictures in their mind: the use of water imagery in Fitzgerald’s novel ‘The Great Gatsby’ | She uses the imagery of a bird’s song to represent eternal hope.userhetorical question a question that you ask as a way of making a statement, without expecting an answer: When he said ‘how can these attitudes still exist in a civilized society?’, he was asking a rhetorical question.sayattitudecivilizebeask
verb (past tense and past participle cast)
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: kasta Verb form1cast light on/onto somethingINFORMATION to provide new information about something, making it easier to understand:
research findings that cast new light on the origin of our universefindingThe numerous biographies of Baldwin cast little light on the subject.biography2cast doubt(s) on somethingUNCERTAIN to make people feel less certain about something: Her documentary casts serious doubt on Gilligan’s conviction.cast3light and shade [transitive] literary to make light or a shadow appear somewherecast something over/on/across somethingThe flames cast dancing shadows on the walls.flamedanceshadowwallthe shade cast by low-hanging brancheshangbranch4cast a shadow/cloud over something literarySPOIL to make people feel less happy or hopeful about something: The allegations cast a cloud over the Mayor’s visit.allegationHer father’s illness cast a shadow over the wedding celebrations.celebration5LOOKlook [transitive] literary to look quickly in a particular directioncast a look/glance at somebody/somethingShe cast an anguished look at Guy.cast somebody a glance/lookThe young tramp cast him a wary glance.She blushed, casting her eyes down.blushcasteye6cast an eye on/over something to examine or read something quickly in order to judge whether it is correct, good etc: Mellor cast an eye over the draft for inaccuracies.inaccuracycast a critical/expert etc eyeTonight, Tim Goodman casts a cynical eye on TV ads.castad7cast a vote/ballotVOTE/ELECT to vote in an election: Barely one in three will bother to cast a ballot on February 26th.To qualify, candidates must get at least 10% of the votes cast.candidatelittlevote → casting vote8cast a spell on/over somebody a)ATTRACTto attract someone very strongly and to keep their attention completely: Hong Kong casts a spell over the visitor almost as soon as the aircraft touches down.casttouch b)MAGICto use magic words or acts to change someone or something: She’s a witch, and she’ll cast a spell on you if she catches you.catch9cast your mind back literaryREMEMBER to try to remember something that happened in the pastcast your mind back toCast your mind back to your first day at school.cast your mind back overHe frowned, casting his mind back over the conversation.frowncast10cast aspersions on something/somebody formalCRITICIZE to suggest that someone is not as truthful, honest etc as they seem: remarks that cast aspersions on the integrity of the juryremarkaspersion11METALmetal [transitive] to make an object by pouring liquid metal, plastic etc into a mould (=hollow container)cast something in/from somethinga statue of a horse cast in bronze12ACTORacting [transitive]ACTOR/ACTRESS to choose which people will act particular parts in a play, film etccast somebody alongside/opposite somebody (=choose people for the two main roles)Pfeiffer was expected to be cast alongside Douglas in ‘Basic Instinct’.beexpectcast somebody as somethingCoppola cast him as Sodapop in ‘The Outsiders’.outsidercast somebody in a role/a part/the leadThe producer finally cast Finsh in the male lead.13DESCRIBEdescribe [transitive] to regard or describe someone as a particular type of personcast somebody as somethingClinton had cast himself as the candidate of new economic opportunity.haveClarke’s trying to cast me in the role of villain here.try14THROWthrow [transitive always + adverb/preposition] literary to throw something somewhere SYN toss: Sparks leapt as he cast more wood on the fire.sparkleap15FISHINGfishing [intransitive and transitive] to throw a fishing line or net into the water: There’s a trick to casting properly.cast16send away [transitive always + adverb/preposition] literaryKEEP SB IN A PLACE to force someone to go somewhere unpleasantcast somebody into prison/Hell etcMemet should, in her opinion, be cast into prison.shall17cast your net (far and) wideTHINK ABOUT to consider or try as many things as possible in order to find what you want: We cast our net wide to get the right person for the job.18CAST ITS SKINskin [transitive] when a snake casts its skin, the top layer of skin falls off slowly SYN shed19cast a shoe if a horse casts a shoe, the shoe falls off by accident20cast a horoscope to prepare and write a horoscope for someone → the die is cast at die2(3), → throw in/cast your lot with somebody/something at lot2(8), → cast pearls before swine at pearl(4)cast about/around for something phrasal verb THINK ABOUTto try hard to think of the right thing to do or say: She cast about frantically for an excuse.Telecoms companies are casting around for ways of recouping huge losses.telecomcompanybecastwayrecouplosscast somebody/something ↔ aside phrasal verb literary GET RID OFto remove or get rid of someone or something because you no longer want or need them: When Henry became King, he cast aside all his former friends.becomefriendcast aside your inhibitions/doubts etcCast aside your fears.fearcast away phrasal verb [usually passive] ALONEto be left alone on a lonely shore or island because your ship has sunk: If you were cast away on a desert island, what would you miss most?bewillcast off phrasal verb1to untie the rope that fastens your boat to the shore so that you can sail away2GET RID OFcast somebody/something ↔ off literary to remove or get rid of something or someone that you no longer want or need: His family had cast him off without a penny.have3to finish a piece of knitting by removing the stitches from the needle to make an edge that will not come undonecast something ↔ offCast off four stitches.stitchcast on phrasal verb to start a piece of knitting by making the first stitches on the needlecast something ↔ onCast on 132 stitches.stitchcast somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb MAGIC literary to force someone or something to leave a place: God has cast out the demons from your soul.havedemoncast something ↔ up phrasal verb literary TAKE/BRINGif the sea casts something up, it carries it onto the shore: A body had been cast up on the rocks.haveberock
castnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescastcastscastcast2 noun [countable]
1ACTORSACTOR/ACTRESSactors all the people who perform in a play, film etccast ofFilms like ‘Ben Hur’ have a cast of thousands.filmthe entire cast of ‘Les Misérables’mian all-star casta strong supporting cast (=everyone except the main actors)supporta member of the cast2ON YOUR BODYon arm/leg (also plaster cast) a hard protective case that is put over your arm, leg etc because the bone is broken: Murray has his leg in a cast.have3FOR SHAPING METALfor making a shape a mould (=hollow container) into which you pour liquid metal, plastic etc in order to make an object of a particular shape, or the object made in this waycast ofMake a cast of the statue.4sb’s cast of mind formalAPPEARANCE the way that a person thinks and the type of opinions or mental abilities they have: Mary was of a far less intellectual cast of mind.belittle5IN FISHINGfishing the act of throwing a fishing line into the water6COLOURCOLOUR/COLORcolour literary a small amount of a particular colour: Sage leaves have a silvery cast.leave7eye old-fashioned a problem with your eye which causes it to look sideways8EARTHearth a small pile of earth that a worm produces on the surface of the groundCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa strong cast (=a lot of good actors) The play has a strong cast of new young actors.haveactora talented cast It's a fantastic production with an enormously talented cast.an all-star/a star-studded/a stellar cast (=a lot of very famous actors) The movie features an all-star cast.featurea supporting cast (=all the actors except the main ones) There’s also a fine supporting cast.supportverbshave a cast The play had a cast of almost unknown actors.haveactorhead the cast (=be the main actor) Al Pacino heads the cast of this political thriller.headcast + NOUNa cast member/a member of the cast Everyone remembers the cast members of 'Friends’.remembermemberfriendthe cast list (=list of members) The movie has an impressive cast list.have
noun [uncountable and countable]1SERIOUS DISAGREEMENTARGUEa serious argument or disagreementdispute withThe firm is involved in a legal dispute with a rival company.beinvolvedispute overHe got into a dispute over a taxi fare.getdispute betweenthe bitter border dispute between the countriescountry2be beyond disputeCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY if something is beyond dispute, everyone agrees that it is true or that it really happened: It is beyond dispute that advances in medicine have enabled people to live longer.beadvanceenablelong3be open to disputeDISAGREE if something is open to dispute, it is not completely certain and not everyone agrees about it: His interpretation of the poem is open to dispute.be4be in dispute if something is in dispute, people are arguing about it: The facts of the case are still in dispute.factbeCOLLOCATIONSverbsresolve/settle a dispute (=end it) It is hoped that the dispute can be resolved peacefully.behoperesolvebe involved in a dispute The US government became involved in a dispute with China.becomeinvolveget into a dispute (=become involved) We don’t want to get into a dispute with them.be in dispute with somebody He was in dispute with the company about his contract.bebe locked in a dispute (=be involved in one that is difficult to resolve) Workers and management are locked in a bitter dispute.workerbelocka dispute arises (=starts) Sometimes a dispute arises between the seller and the buyer.ariseADJECTIVES/NOUN + disputea bitter/fierce dispute (=very angry) It caused a bitter dispute between the neighbouring republics.causerepublica long-running dispute (=continuing for a long time) India’s long-running dispute with Pakistanrunan industrial dispute British English a labor dispute American English (=between workers and employers) A lot of working days are lost through industrial disputes.workdaybelosedisputea pay dispute (=about how much money employees are paid) The pay dispute involved 450 staff.involvea political/legal dispute There was a long legal dispute between the two companies.becompanya domestic dispute formal (=between people who live together) The court heard that he had been stabbed during a domestic dispute.hearhavebestaba border dispute (=about where the border between two countries is) a border dispute between Argentina and Chilea territorial dispute (=about which country land belongs to) The war started as the result of a territorial dispute.startTHESAURUSargument a situation in which people speak angrily to each other because they disagree about something: an argument between two drivers over who had right of waydriverhave | A 29-year-old man was shot and killed today after an argument over a gambling debt.beshootkillgamblerow British English, fight especially American English a loud angry argument with someone, especially your boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone in your family. Row is also used about a serious disagreement between politicians about important public issues: There were always fights between my parents.befightparent | the continuing row over tax increasescontinueincrease | A few months ago they had a big row, and Steve drove off and spent the weekend in London.monthhavedrivespenddisagreement a situation in which people disagree with each other, but without shouting or getting angry: There were the occasional disagreements about money, but mostly we got on well.bedisagreementget | Ginny had left the company after a disagreement with her boss.haveleavequarrel especially British English an argument, especially one in which people get angry and that lasts a long time. Quarrel sounds more formal and more serious than argument or row: a bitter family quarrelfeud /fjuːd/ a very bitter argument between two groups, especially families, which lasts for many years and causes people to hate each other: The feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys raged for 20 years.rageyeardispute a public or legal argument about something, especially one which continues for a long time: Morris has been involved in a long legal dispute with his publisher.havebeinvolve | The settlement will resolve a long-running dispute over the country’s nuclear program.runwar/battle of words an argument in which two people or groups criticize each other continuously in public: The war of words over construction delays at the airport has erupted again.worddelayhaveeruptbust-up British English informal a very bad argument, especially one in which people decide to separate from each other: He had a bust-up with the team manager.haveshouting match an angry argument in which people shout at each other: He got into a shouting match with another driver.getshoutslanging match British English informal an argument in which people insult each other: He was sacked after a slanging match with a colleague.besack
disputeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdisputedisputesdisputeddisputingdisputedis‧pute2 /dɪˈspjuːt/ verbDate: 1500-1600Language: Old French
Origin: desputer, from Latin disputare ‘to discuss’, from putare ‘to think’ Verb form1[transitive]DISAGREE to say that something such as a fact or idea is not correct or true:
The main facts of the book have never been disputed.factbedisputedispute thatFew would dispute that travel broadens the mind.willbroaden2[intransitive and transitive]ARGUE formal to argue or disagree with someonedispute (something) with somebodyHazlitt, though much younger, was soon disputing with Wordsworth on equal terms.youngbedisputetermWhat happened next is hotly disputed.happenbedispute3[transitive] to try to get control of something or win something: Soviet forces disputed every inch of ground.forcedisputegrind
nounWord familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: is
1 [uncountable]LIQUID water that has frozen into a solid state → icy: Would you like some ice in your drink?willHer hands were as cold as ice.handbeThe city spent $7 million to remove snow and ice from the roads.spendroad2keep/put something on iceSTOP DOING STH to do nothing about a plan or suggestion for a period of time: I’m putting my plans for a new car on ice until I finish college.putplan3be (skating) on thin iceUPSET to be in a situation in which you are likely to upset someone or cause trouble: Don’t be late again, Hugo – you’re skating on thin ice.skate4the ice a specially prepared surface of ice where you can ice skate or play ice hockey: The two teams are ready to take to the ice.teambe5[countable] a)a frozen sweet food made with fruit juice SYN sorbet b)especially British English old-fashioned an ice cream6[uncountable] American English diamonds → black ice, dry ice, → break the ice at break1(29), → cut no ice at cut1(39)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesthick Thick ice was preventing the ship from moving.bepreventmovethin The ice is too thin to skate on.beblack ice (=a layer of thin ice on a road that is very difficult to see) Black ice on the roads is making driving conditions very dangerous.roadbemakedriveconditioncrushed ice (=broken into small pieces, for example to add to a drink) Serve the cocktail with crushed ice.crushpolar ice Global warming directly causes the melting of polar ice.warmcausemeltverbsbe covered in ice Our driveway was covered in ice.becoverice melts The ice in my glass had begun to melt.havebeginice forms Ice was forming on the surface of the lake.beformice cracks We could feel the ice cracking beneath our feet.cancrackfootscrape the ice off something I scraped the ice off the car windscreen.scrapeice + NOUNan ice cube (=a small square piece of ice that you add to a drink) She put a couple of ice cubes in her glass.cubea lump of ice (=a large piece of ice) Huge lumps of ice break off from the glaciers and float in the sea.lumpglacierice crystals (=very small pieces of ice that form naturally) Ice crystals fall from the sky as snowflakes.crystalsnowflakephrasesa block of ice The fish were packed in blocks of ice, ready for transportation.bepackblocka sheet of ice A thin sheet of ice had formed over the surface of the pond.haveforma slab of ice (=a thick flat piece of ice) Huge slabs of ice drifted down the frozen river.slabdriftfreezeTHESAURUSice water that has frozen into a solid state: ice cubes in her Cokecube | the ice on the lakefrost a thin coating of white powder-like ice that forms on the ground and plants, or the weather conditions in which this powder appears: There was frost on the ground.begrind | Even in May we can sometimes get a late frost.black ice an area of ice that is very difficult to see on a road: Driving conditions are dangerous, with black ice in many areas.driveconditionbeareaicicle a long thin pointed piece of ice that hangs from a roof or other surface: There were icicles hanging down from the side of the house.beiciclehanghailstones frozen balls of ice which fall like rain from the sky: Hailstones as big as marbles flattened the crops.hailstonemarbleflattencropglacier a large mass of ice which moves slowly down a mountain valley: The high mountain glaciers of South America and Asia are melting at an alarming rate.glacierbemeltalarm | the Kangshung glaciericeberg a very large mass of ice floating in the sea, most of which is under the surface of the water: The ship sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic.sinkhitice cap an area of thick ice that permanently covers the North and South Poles: We all know that the polar ice caps are melting because of global warming.capbemeltwarm
iceverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesiceicesicedicingiceice2 verb [transitive] especially British EnglishWord familyVerb form to cover a cake with icing (=a mixture made of liquid and very fine sugar) SYN frost American English → icingice something ↔ down phrasal verb American English to cover an injured part of the body in ice to stop it from swelling: Make sure you ice that ankle down as soon as you get inside.ice over/up (also be iced over/upbe iced over/up) phrasal verb LIQUIDto become covered with ice → icy: Schools were closed when the roads iced over.schoolbecloseroadiceThe plane’s engines had iced up.enginehaveice
[ˈfɔː.ti.əθ] US [ˈfɔːr.t ̬i-] ordinal number 40th written as a word
★ SMART thesaurus
Ordinal numbers
noun countable
one of forty equal parts of something
★ SMART thesaurus
Fractions
nounDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: fouaille, from feu ‘fire’, from Latin focus; → FOCUS1 [uncountable and countable] a substance such as coal, gas, or oil that can be burned to produce heat or energy:
Coal is one of the cheapest fuels.becheapfuel → add fuel to the fire/flames at add(9)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + fuela fossil fuel (=a fuel such as coal or oil, produced by the gradual decaying of plants and animals) Global warming may be caused by burning fossil fuels.warmcauseburnfuelnuclear fuel What do we do with the spent nuclear fuel?spendsolid fuel (=a solid substance, such as coal, that is used as a fuel) The number of homes using solid fuel for heating has decreased.numbhomeuseheathavedecreasedomestic/household fuel (=used in a house) There has been a sharp rise in domestic fuel costs.havebecostsmokeless fuel (=that burns without producing smoke) The government is trying to encourage the use of environmentally-friendly smokeless fuels.betryfuelunleaded fuel (=that does not contain lead) Modern cars run on unleaded fuel.cara green fuel (=a fuel that harms the environment as little as possible) Are green fuels, like Biodiesel, really the solution to our fuel crisis?befuela clean fuel (=fuel that does not harm the environment) The proposal is to cut tax on cars that run on clean fuel.becaraviation fuel (=used used by planes) high-octane aviation fuelverbsuse fuel People need to learn how to use fuel more efficiently.run on fuel (=use fuel as the source of power) Will this engine run on unleaded fuel?run out of fuel (=use all the fuel available and have none left) The ship ran out of fuel and drifted helplessly.rundriftfill up with fuel (=put fuel in a vehicle's fuel tank) Before leaving, I filled up with fuel at the local petrol station.leavefillsave fuel You can save fuel by not driving too fast.drivewaste fuel The booklet gives helpful tips on how to avoid wasting fuel.givetipwastfuel + NOUNfuel costs/prices The increase in fuel costs is severely affecting pensioners.costbeaffectpensionera fuel bill Insulating your house will cut your fuel bill.insulatea fuel tank (=a container for storing fuel) The fuel tank holds 14 gallons of petrol.holdgallona fuel gauge (=an instrument for measuring fuel) I noticed the fuel gauge was on empty so I pulled into the nearest gas station.noticebepullneara fuel pump (=a machine that forces fuel into an engine) The car's fuel pump was leaking.beleakfuel consumption (=amount used) Fuel consumption averages 54 miles per gallon.averagemilfuel economy/efficiency (=how well a vehicle uses fuel, without wasting any) Greater engine efficiency has led to improved fuel economy.greathaveleadimprovephrasessomething is running low on fuel (=it does not have much fuel left) The plane was running low on fuel.berun
fuelverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfuelfuelsfuelledfueledfuellingfuelingfuelfuel2 verb (past tense and past participle fuelled, present participle fuelling British English, fueled, fueling American English)Verb form1[transitive]INCREASE IN ACTIVITY, FEELINGS ETC to make something, especially something bad, increase or become stronger SYN provoke: His words fuelled her anger still more.wordfuelfuel speculation/rumours/controversy etcProgress was slow, fueling concerns that the stadium would not be finished on time.befuelconcernwillfinish2(also fuel up) [intransitive and transitive] if you fuel a vehicle, or if it fuels up, fuel is put into it SYN fill up: We’d better fuel up at the next town.wellThe van was fuelled and waiting in the basement car park.befuelwait
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Latin audientia ‘hearing’, from audire; → AUDIO 1[countable also + plural verb] British EnglishLISTENWATCH a group of people who come to watch and listen to someone speaking or performing in public:
The audience began clapping and cheering.beginclapcheeraudience ofan audience of 250 business peopleOne member of the audience described the opera as ‘boring’.describeopusbore2[countable also + plural verb] British English the people who watch or listen to a particular programme, or who see or hear a particular artist’s, writer’s etc work: The show attracts a regular audience of about 20 million.attracttarget audience (=the type of people that a programme, advertisement etc is supposed to attract)Goya was one of the first painters to look for a wider audience for his work.bepainterwideThe book is not intended for a purely academic audience.beintend3[countable]MEET a formal meeting with a very important personaudience withHe was granted an audience with the Pope.begrantCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsperform/play to an audience The band played to huge audiences in Mexico City and Buenos Aires.playaudiencean audience laughs He has the ability to make an audience laugh.havean audience claps Most of the audience clapped but a few people jeered.clapjeeran audience cheers The audience cheered loudly when he came on stage.cheercomethe audience boos She swore at the audience and they began to boo her.swearbeginadjectivesa capacity/packed audience (=the largest number of people who can fit into a hall, theatre etc) The lecture attracted a capacity audience.attractan enthusiastic audience They drew enthusiastic audiences at Europe's biggest rock festival.drawaudiencebigNOUN + audiencestadium audiences Celine Dion's tour continues to play to sold-out stadium audiences across Europe.continuesellaudienceCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave an audience The programme has a massive audience, ranging from children to grandparents.haverangechildgrandparentattract an audience (=make people want to watch) The first show attracted a television audience of more than 2 million.attractreach an audience For an advertiser who wants to reach a large audience, television news easily surpasses other news media.wantsurpassmediumappeal to an audience (=be interesting to them) They brought new fashions into their designs to appeal to a wider audience.bringfashiondesignwideADJECTIVES/NOUN + audiencea large/huge etc audience Messages posted on the Internet can attract a huge audience.messageposta wide audience an author who commands a wide audiencecommanda worldwide audience The game has an ever-increasing worldwide audience.haveincreasea young/teenage audience a magazine with a young audiencean older audience The programme mainly appeals to an older audience.appealolda mass audience (=a very large number of people) Radio brought entertainment to a mass audience.bringa television audience (=all the people who watch or listen to a particular programme) Nearly half the UK television audience watched the programme last Tuesday.watchthe target audience (=the type of people a programme etc aims to attract) The target audience is mostly men aged 28 to 35.bemanageTHESAURUSinterview a meeting in which someone is asked questions, to find out if they are suitable for a job, or to help the police find out about a crime. Also used about someone being asked questions on TV, in a newspaper, in a magazine etc: I’ve got another job interview tomorrow.get | Since the police interview, she had changed her statement.havechange | an interview with Keith Richardsinterrogation an occasion when someone is asked a lot of questions for a long time in order to get information, sometimes using threats, usually by the police or the army: He claims he was tortured during his interrogation.claimbetorture | Police interrogation methods have been questioned.methodbequestioncross-examination an occasion when someone is asked questions about what they have just said, in order to see if they are telling the truth, especially in a court of law: Under cross-examination, the only witness said she could not be sure about what she saw.saycanseeconsultation a meeting with a doctor or an expert to discuss treatment or to get advice: The therapist charges $100 for a half hour consultation.charge | Would you like to come back for another consultation?willaudience a formal meeting with a very important person: He was granted an audience with the Pope.begrant
noun [uncountable]Date: 1600-1700Origin: fun ‘to play a trick on’ (17-20 centuries), perhaps from fonne; → FOND 1ENJOY/LIKE DOING STHan experience or activity that is very enjoyable and exciting:
There’s plenty of fun for all the family.The children were having so much fun, I hated to call them inside.childbehavehate2for fun (also just for the fun of it) if you do something for fun, you do it because you enjoy it and not for any other reason: I simply believe that killing animals for fun is wrong.killanimalbeLike most people her age, Deborah struck up relationships just for the fun of it.strikerelationship3somebody is (great/good) fun British English used to say that someone is enjoyable to be with because they are happy and amusing: You’ll like her, darling, she’s great fun.4behaviour that is not serious and shows happiness and enjoyment: Jan’s always so cheerful and full of fun.Her sense of fun made her very popular at college.makeEvelyn would tease her, but only in fun.will5fun and gamesENJOY/LIKE DOING STH activities, behaviour etc that are not serious – often used to show disapproval6make fun of somebody/somethingMAKE FUN OF to make unkind insulting remarks about someone or something: I’m not making fun of you. I admire what you did.makedo7like fun American English spoken old-fashionedWRONG/INCORRECT used to say that something is not true or will not happen: ‘I’m going to Barbara’s house.’ ‘Like fun you are! Come and finish your chores first.’gobechore → figure of fun at figure1(12), → poke fun at at poke1(6)COLLOCATIONSverbshave fun Did you have fun at the party?dojoin in the fun The whole village joined in the fun.joinsomething sounds (like) fun (=seems to be enjoyable) The picnic sounded like fun.soundadjectivesgood fun British English I never realized what good fun fishing could be.realizefishcangreat fun The show is great fun for all the family.beharmless fun (=not likely to upset or offend anyone) The game’s designer says it’s all a bit of harmless fun, but many parents disagree.saybiteparentphrasessomething is no fun (also something is not much fun) (=something is not at all enjoyable) Being stuck in a traffic jam for three hours was no fun.bestickhourbebe sb’s idea of fun (=be what someone enjoys doing – used especially when this seems strange to you) Camping in this rainy weather is not my idea of fun.campbebe half the fun (=be a very enjoyable part of doing something) Planning a vacation is half the fun.planbea lot of fun (also lots of fun) The kids had a lot of fun singing and dancing.kidhavesingdancegood clean fun British English (=not offensive or not involving sex) The show is good clean fun for all the family.beTHESAURUSfun noun [uncountable] especially spoken an experience or activity that is very enjoyable and exciting: The course was fun.be | Have you ever been windsurfing? It’s really good fun.be | I just want to relax and have some fun. | It’ll be fun seeing all my old friends again.seefriend | Running around a freezing hockey field isn’t my idea of fun.runfreezeenjoyment noun [uncountable] the feeling you get when you enjoy doing something: I get a lot of enjoyment out of working with young children.workchildpleasure noun [countable] an experience or activity that makes you feel happy and satisfied: The game was a pleasure to watch.be | One of her greatest pleasures was walking in the mountains.greatpleasurebewalkmountain | Ted enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: his family, his home, and his garden.enjoypleasuregood/great time noun [countable] especially spoken a time when you enjoyed yourself: The kids all had a great time.kidhave | I remember the good times in Japan.time | Were the 1960s really such great times?betimea blast informal a very enjoyable experience – a very informal use: The trip was a blast!beentertainment noun [uncountable] things such as performances and films which are intended to be enjoyable: Three musicians provided the entertainment.musicianprovide | What do you do for entertainment around here? | They hired two dancers for entertainment.hiredancerrelaxation noun [uncountable] a way of resting and enjoying yourself: I play the piano for relaxation. | Her work left little time for relaxation.leaveleisure noun [uncountable] the time when you are not working, when you can enjoy yourself – used especially in compounds: leisure activitiesactivity | the leisure industry | People have more leisure time.recreation noun [uncountable and countable] formal activities that you do to enjoy yourself: recreation facilitiesfacility | The park is not just a place for recreation.be
funadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfunfunnerfunnestfunfun2 S2 W3 adjective [only before noun]1ENJOY/LIKE DOING STHenjoyable and amusing: Try snowboarding – it’s a really fun sport.a fun day/evening etc2ENJOY/LIKE DOING STHa fun person is enjoyable to be with because they are happy and amusing: She’s a really fun person to be around.THESAURUSdescribing something you like or enjoynice especially spoken pleasant or enjoyable: Did you have a nice day?do | It was nice to be back home again.belovely especially British English informal very nice: We had a lovely time at the beach.have | The hotel was lovely.befun informal if something is fun, you enjoy it: The holiday was great fun.beenjoyable giving you pleasure: We had a very enjoyable evening.haveevenwonderful very enjoyable: It was a wonderful concert.be | The food was wonderful.begreat (also brilliant British English) informal very enjoyable: ‘How was the party?’ ‘It was great!’bebe | We all had a brilliant time.havecharming used about something that seems pleasant and has a lot of qualities that make you like it: a charming little village in the Italian countrysidecharm | I thought the restaurant was rather charming.thinkbecharmdelightful formal very pleasant or enjoyable: There are many delightful walks in the area.bewalk | a delightful eveningevenpleasurable formal a pleasurable experience or feeling is one that you enjoy: Shopping in the old city can be a pleasurable experience.shop | a pleasurable feeling of relieffeel
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: reflectere ‘to bend back’, from flectere ‘to bend’ Verb form
1image [transitive usually passive] if a person or a thing is reflected in a mirror, glass, or water, you can see an image of the person or thing on the surface of the mirror, glass, or waterbe reflected in somethingShe could see her face reflected in the car’s windshield.canreflect2be a sign of something [transitive not usually in progressive]SHOW/BE A SIGN OF to show or be a sign of a particular situation or feeling: The drop in consumer spending reflects concern about the economy.spendreflectbe reflected in somethingThe increasing racial diversity of the US is reflected in the latest census statistics.increasebereflectlatestatisticreflect who/what/how etcHow much you’re paid reflects how important you are to the company you work for.payreflectbe3light/heat/sound a)[transitive]REFLECT if a surface reflects light, heat, or sound, it sends back the light etc that reaches it: Wear something white – it reflects the heat.reflect b)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if light, heat, or sound reflects off something it reaches, it comes back from it4think about something [intransitive and transitive]THINK ABOUT to think carefully about something, or to say something that you have been thinking aboutreflect onHe had time to reflect on his successes and failures.havesuccessfailurereflect thatMoe reflected that he had never seen Sherry so happy.reflecthaveseereflect on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb SHOW/BE A SIGN OFto influence people’s opinion of someone or something, especially in a bad way: If my children are rude, that reflects on me as a parent.childbereflectTHESAURUSto think about somethingthink to use your mind to decide about something, form an opinion, imagine something etc: I’ve been thinking about what you said – maybe you’re right.bethinksay | I need some time to think.consider to think about something carefully before deciding what to do: Have you considered working for a year before going to college?considerworkgoweigh (also weigh up British English) to carefully think about a plan or choice by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages involved: You need to weigh up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages), and decide which investment is the best one for you.proconbewell | The committee are still weighing the alternatives.beweighalternativegive something some/a lot of thought to think carefully about something, before you make a final decision about it: Why don’t you give it some thought and then get back to me?think | He had obviously given the matter a lot of thought.havegivethinkmull something over to think about a problem, plan etc before making a decision: Can you give me a bit of time to mull it over?biteponder to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about something, especially a problem or something complicated: She is still pondering what to do.beponder | Officials are pondering ways to remove the oil from the beaches.officialbeponderwaybeachcontemplate to think about something you might do in the future: Did you ever contemplate resigning?doresignreflect formal to think carefully about something, especially something that happened in the past: It was a good time to reflect upon the changes that had happened in my life.bechangehavehappen
adjective (comparative flatter, superlative flattest)
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: flatr 1surfaceFLAT smooth and level, without raised or hollow areas, and not sloping or curving:
houses with flat roofshouseroofa perfectly flat sandy beachThe countryside near there is flat as a pancake (=very flat).beWork on a clean, flat surface.2money a flat rate, amount of money etc is fixed and does not change or have anything added to it: Clients are charged a flat rate of £250 annually.clientbechargeWe charge a flat fee for car hire.3tyre/ball a flat tyre or ball has no air or not enough air in it4not deep not very deep, thick, or high, especially in comparison to its width or length: The cake came out of the oven flat, not fluffy.come5drink a drink that is flat does not taste fresh because it has no more bubbles of gas in it OPP fizzy6BORINGnot interesting [not before noun] a performance, book etc that is flat lacks interest, excitement, or energy: Arsenal looked flat for large parts of the game.lookpart7battery British English a flat battery has lost its electrical power SYN dead American English: Have you checked that the batteries haven’t gone flat (=become flat)?checkbatterygo8business/trade if prices, economic conditions, trade etc are flat, they have not increased or improved over a period of time: Analysts are expecting flat sales in the coming months.analystbeexpectsalecomemonth9E flat/B flat/A flat etc a musical note that is one semitone lower than the note E, B, A etc → sharp, natural10musical sound if a musical note is flat, it is played or sung slightly lower than it should be OPP sharp11voiceEMOTIONAL not showing much emotion, or not changing much in sound as you speak: ‘He’s dead,’ she said in a flat voice.say12a flat refusal/denial etcCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY a refusal etc that is definite and which someone will not change: Our requests were met with a flat refusal.requestbemeet13be flat on your back a)DOWNto be lying down so that all of your back is touching the floor b)ILLto be very ill so that you have to stay in bed for a period of time: I’ve been flat on my back with the flu all week.be14shoes flat shoes have very low heels15lightBRIGHT having little variety of light and dark: Flat lighting is typical of Avedon’s portraits.lightbeportrait16and that’s flat! British English spoken old-fashionedCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY used to say that you will definitely not change what you have just said SYN and that’s that: I won’t go, and that’s flat!win—flatnessflatnessesflatness noun [uncountable] → in/into a flat spin at spin2(6), → flat feetTHESAURUSflat on one level, without any holes or raised areas, and not sloping or curving: a flat roof | a flat screen | Before you lay the tiles, make sure that the ground is completely flat.lietilegrindbelevel not sloping in any direction, so that every part is at the same height: Is the top of this picture level?be | After four hours coming down the mountain, I was glad to be back on level ground.hourcomebegrindsmooth without any holes or raised areas – used especially when saying how something feels when you touch it: her lovely smooth skin | I ran my hand across the animal’s smooth fur.runeven without any holes or raised areas: Apply the paint to an even surface. | Be careful – the path is not very even here.behorizontal going straight across and not sloping: a horizontal line | Raise both arms to a horizontal position.arm
flatnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesflatflatsflatflat2 S2 W3 noun [countable]
Word familySense 1:Date: 1800-1900
Language: Scottish English
Origin: flet ‘inside of a house’ (14-19 centuries) (influenced by → FLAT1)Sense 2-7:
Date: 1200-1300
Origin: → FLAT1 1place to live especially British EnglishFLAT a place for people to live that consists of a set of rooms that are part of a larger building SYN apartment:
They have a flat in Crouch End.a two-bedroom flatThe building was knocked down to make way for a block of flats (=a large building with many flats in it).buildbeknockflat → granny flat2tyre especially American English a tyre that does not have enough air inside SYN flat tyre: Damn, the car has a flat.haveHe stopped to change a flat.stop3music a)a musical note that is one semitone lower than a particular note b)the sign (Ƅ) in written music that shows that a note is one semitone lower than a particular note → sharp, natural4land flats [plural] an area of land that is at a low level, especially near water: mud flatsflat5shoes flats [plural] American English a pair of women’s shoes with very low heels6the flat of sb’s hand/a knife/a sword etcFLATSIDE the flat part or flat side of something7on the flat British EnglishFLAT on ground that is level and does not slopeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + flatsmall The flat was too small for the three of them.bebig/spacious It was a big flat with eight or nine rooms.beroomcramped/poky (=too small and not comfortable) She spends most days shut up in a poky flat looking after her disabled Mum.spenddaylookdisablea one-bedroom/two-bedroom etc flat She lived in a one-bedroom flat in Clapham.livea one-room/two-room etc flat Their home is a humble two-room flat.bea ground-floor/first-floor/second-floor etc flat We’re moving into a first-floor flat.movea basement flat (=a flat that is below ground level) They lived in a basement flat in South London.livea studio flat (=with one main room) I might just be able to afford a tiny studio flat.high-rise flats (=flats in a very tall building) Many high-rise flats were built in the 1970s.flatbebuilda rented flat He returned to his rented flat in Cheltenham.returnrenta luxury flat Laura shares a luxury flat with her sister Chloe.sharea self-contained flat (=a flat with its own kitchen and bathroom) We rented a self-contained flat in the city centre.rentcontaina furnished/unfurnished flat (=a rented flat that does or does not have furniture) She found a job and a furnished flat.findfurnisha holiday flat The building has been converted into three holiday flats.buildhavebeconvertflatphrasesa block of flats (=a large building divided into separate flats) At the time, I lived in a block of flats in St John’s Wood.liveflatverbslive in a flat Terry lived in a flat on the second floor.livebuy a flat I had planned to buy a flat with Geraldine.haveplanrent a flat Renting a flat can be very expensive in this part of town.rentmove into a flat They move into their new flat next week.own a flat The couple own their own flat in Peebles.
flatadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesflatflatflat3 adverb
Word family1flat positionFLAT in a position in which the surface of something is against another surface without curving or sloping: The bed can be folded flat for storage.foldHe lay flat on the floor.lieThat night I lay flat on my back and stared up at the ceiling.liestare2three minutes/ten seconds etc flat informalSHORT TIME in exactly three minutes, ten seconds etc – used to emphasize that something happens or is done very quickly: I was dressed in five minutes flat.bedressminute3fall flat informalFAIL if a joke, story etc falls flat, it does not achieve the effect that is intended: Unfortunately, what could have been a powerful drama fell flat.canbefall4music if you sing or play music flat, you sing or play slightly lower than the correct note so that the sound is unpleasant OPP sharp5fall flat on your/something's face a)FALLto fall so that you are lying on your chest on the ground: Babe slipped and fell flat on her face.slipfall b)informalFAIL to not have the result you want or expect, especially when this is embarrassing: The theory falls flat on its face when put into practice.fall6flat out informal a)FAST/QUICKas fast as possible: Everyone’s working flat out to finish on time.work b)American EnglishHONEST in a direct and complete way SYN straight outask/tell somebody flat outShe asked him flat out if he was seeing another woman.askbesee7tell somebody flat British English spokenHONEST to tell someone something directly and definitely SYN straight out: I told him flat that I didn’t want to see him again.tell → flat broke at broke2(1)
adjective [no comparative]
Word familyLanguage: Old English
1not aliveDEAD no longer alive: Her mother had been dead for ten years.havebeyearPolice are trying to contact the family of the dead man.betrya pile of dead leavesleavethe dead body of a young soldierTwo men were shot dead by terrorists.manbeshootterroristMagnus was found dead in his car.befindOne man is still missing, presumed dead.bemisspresumeHe suddenly had a heart attack and dropped dead.havedropShe was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.bepronounceHis fellow climbers had left him for dead on the mountain.climberhaveleaveWe didn’t know if she was dead or alive.beWhen they found him he was more dead than alive.findbeHer parents were long dead.parentbe ► Do not confuse dead, which is an adjective, with died, which is the past tense and past participle of the verb die: The man was already dead (NOT The man was already died).2not working [not before noun] not working because there is no power: I picked up the phone but discovered the line was dead.pickdiscoverbeSuddenly the radio went dead.goI think the batteries are dead.batterybe3already used already used: a small pile of dead matchesmatchdead glass/bottle (=one that someone has finished drinking from in a bar or restaurant)4boring [not before noun]BORING a place that is dead is boring because there is nothing interesting or exciting happening there: This place is dead after nine o'clock.be5not active/used not active or being used: The luxury car market has been dead in recent months.havebemonth6arm/leg etcFEEL HOT/COLD/TIRED ETC a part of your body that is dead has no feeling in it, especially because the blood supply to it has been stopped: When I got up my foot had gone dead where I’d been sitting on it.gethavegobesit7no emotion [not before noun]FEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETC showing no emotion or sympathy: Jennie’s eyes were cold and dead.eyebe8tired [not before noun] spokenTIRED very tired: I can’t go out tonight. I’m absolutely dead!She was dead on her feet and didn’t have the energy to argue (=used when someone keeps going even though they are very tired).befoot9be dead to the worldUNCONSCIOUSSLEEP to be very deeply asleep or unconscious: Better leave Craig – he’s dead to the world.well10used for emphasis [only before noun] completely or exactly – used to emphasize what you are saying: We all sat waiting in dead silence (=complete silence).sitwaitThe train came to a dead stop (=it stopped completely).comeThe arrow hit the dead centre of the target (=the exact centre).I’ve given the whole thing up as a dead loss (=completely useless or a complete failure).giveJohn tells me it’s a dead cert, we can’t lose (=something which will certainly happen, win, succeed etc).tellHe fell to the floor in a dead faint (=completely unconscious).fall11over my dead body spokenLET1# used to say that you are determined not to allow something to happen: You’ll marry him over my dead body!12I wouldn’t be seen/caught dead spokenNEVER used to say that you would never wear particular clothes, go to particular places, or do particular things, because you would feel embarrassedI wouldn’t be seen/caught dead in/on/with etcI wouldn’t be seen dead in a dress like that!see13in serious troubleSERIOUS SITUATION informal in serious troubleif ... I’m dead/you’re dead etcIf Mum finds out about this, I’m dead.findYou’re in dead trouble now (=in very serious trouble)!One word of this to Sam and you’re dead meat (=you are in serious trouble and someone is very angry with you)!14be dead and buriedUNIMPORTANT an argument, problem, plan etc that is dead and buried is not worth considering again: The old argument about whether the UK should be a member of the EU should now be dead and buried.shallshallbury15be dead in the water informal if a plan or idea is dead in the water, it is unlikely to continue successfully16drop dead! spokenLEAVE A PLACE used to rudely and angrily tell someone to go away and leave you alone17dead language a dead language, for example Latin or Ancient Greek, is no longer used by ordinary people → living language at living1(1)18the dead hand of something something which stops or slows your progress, especially a strong influence: the dead hand of local government bureaucracy19planet a dead planet has no life on it20in sport when the ball is dead in some games, it is no longer on the playing area → (as) dead as a dodo at dodo(3), → dead ringer—deadnessdeadnessesdeadness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSverbslie dead If I’m late, Mum worries that I’m lying dead somewhere.worryliedrop dead (=die suddenly) He dropped dead at the age of 52.dropfind somebody dead A man was found dead in the apartment.befindshoot somebody dead He was jailed for life for shooting dead a burglar.bejailshootleave somebody dead (=result in someone dying – used especially in news reports) The shooting left at least 28 people dead.shootleavelittleleave somebody for dead (=leave someone to die) The men beat him and ran away, leaving him for dead.manrunleavepronounce somebody dead (=to say officially that someone is dead) She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.bepronouncebe feared dead (=used when someone is missing and people are worried that they are dead) Hundreds of people are feared dead in a ferry disaster.hundredbefearbe presumed dead (=used when someone is missing and people think they are certainly dead) The two boys have not been seen since they fell into the river, and are now presumed dead.boybeseefallbepresumeadverbsclinically dead (=dead based on medical checks) A person is declared clinically dead when the brain stops working.bedeclarestopworknounsa dead body A dead body has been found in the woods.havebefindwoodphraseslong dead (=dead for a long time) All those people I knew then are long dead now.knowbedead and gone informal (=completely dead) Let’s face it, we’ll all be dead and gone soon.gomore dead than alive (=very badly hurt or ill and almost dead) He was swept up onto a beach after three days at sea, more dead than alive.besweepdayTHESAURUSdead no longer alive: the bodies of three dead soldiersbodysoldier | Is her father dead?belifeless literary dead or seeming to be dead: their lifeless bodiesbodylate [only before noun] formal dead – use this as a polite way of talking about someone who has died, especially recently: Mrs Lombard’s late husband | a gold Cartier bracelet that once belonged to the late American artist Andy Warholbelongdeceased formal dead: Her parents, now deceased, disapproved of her marriage.parentdisapprove | her deceased husband | They were friends of the deceased (=the person who died).befrienddeparted [only before noun] dead – used in order to be polite and avoid saying the word ‘dead’: They paid their respects to their departed uncle.payrespectdepart | his dear departed wifedepartgone [not before noun] informal dead – used especially when someone was alive not long before: ‘Is she gone?’ ‘I’m afraid so.’bego
deadadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdeaddeaddead2 S3 adverb informal1COMPLETELYcompletelydead right/wrong‘It’s a crazy idea.’ ‘You’re dead right!’dead straight/flatThe road was dead straight.bedead quiet/calm/stillEverything suddenly went dead still.gobe dead (set) against something (=completely disagree with something)Her family were dead against the marriage.beHe was obviously dead drunk.bedrinkWhen he saw her, he stopped dead in his tracks (=suddenly stopped moving completely).seestoptrack2VERYvery: He was dead good-looking.belookIt sounded dead boring.soundboredead beat/tired (=very tired)3[+ adjective/adverb]EXACT directly or exactly: I stared dead ahead at the doorway.stareThe bus arrived dead on time.arriveCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesdead right/wrong You’re dead wrong, so let me handle this.dead straight/flat The countryside around here is dead flat all the way to the sea.bedead quiet/calm/still The room was dead quiet while we waited for Ted to reply.bewaitdead drunk He came home dead drunk in the middle of the night.comedrinkphrasesbe dead (set) against something (=completely disapprove of or disagree with something) I’d like to be an actress but Mum and Dad are dead set against it.bebe dead set on something (=be determined to do something) At the moment, Steve’s just dead set on winning the gold medal.winstop dead (in your tracks) (=suddenly stop moving completely) She was so shocked that she stopped dead in her tracks.beshockstoptrack
deadnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdeaddeadsdeaddead3 nounWord family1the dead [plural] people who have died: Families on both sides buried their dead.familysideburythe dead and injured/wounded/dyingMost of the dead and injured had been passengers on the bus.injurehavebepassenger2the dead of night/winterDURING the middle of the night or the middle of the winter: creeping around in the dead of nightcreep3rise/come back/return from the dead to become alive again after dying: Christ rose from the dead.rise
nounWord familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: spræc, spæc 1[countable]TALK/MAKE A SPEECH a talk, especially a formal one about a particular subject, given to a group of peoplemake/give/deliver a speech
Each child had to give a short speech to the rest of the class.haveHe has to make a lot of after-dinner speeches.havespeechspeech on/abouta major speech on relations with ChinarelationCollins gave the keynote speech (=most important speech).give2[uncountable]SPEAK A LANGUAGE the ability to speak: Only humans are capable of speech.humanbe3[uncountable]SPEAK A LANGUAGE spoken language rather than written language: In speech we use a smaller vocabulary than in writing.smallwrite4[uncountable]SPEAK A LANGUAGE the particular way in which someone speaks: Bob’s speech was slurred, and he sounded drunk.beslursounddrink5[countable] a set of lines that an actor must say in a play: Hamlet’s longest speechlong → direct speech, figure of speech, indirect speech, part of speech, reported speech, → speech bubble at bubble1(4), → freedom of speech at freedom(1)COLLOCATIONSverbsgive/make a speech She gave a speech at the party conference.givedeliver a speech formal The President delivered a major speech to Congress yesterday.deliverADJECTIVES/NOUN + speechlong The speeches were all really long.speechbeshort/brief The chairman opened the meeting with a brief speech.openmeeta passionate/impassioned speech (=full of strong feeling) She made impassioned speeches on civil rights.makespeechrightan emotional speech (=showing emotions, especially by crying) On retiring, she delivered an emotional farewell speech.retiredelivera moving speech (=making people feel strong emotions) That was a very moving speech.bemovea powerful speech (=having a strong effect on people's opinions) He gave a powerful speech calling for unity.givecalla rousing/stirring speech (=making people feel excited and eager to do something) Thousands of people were inspired by his stirring speeches.beinspirestirspeecha major speech (=very important) This was her first major speech as party leader.besomebody's inaugural speech (=their first one in an important political job) He said all the right things in his inaugural speech.saythingsomebody's acceptance speech (=when they accept a political job, a prize, or an award) In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his wife.paya farewell speech (=by someone who is leaving)an after-dinner speech (=after a formal dinner) He gets paid a lot for making after-dinner speeches.getpaymakespeecha keynote speech (=the most important one at an event) The Prime Minister will make his keynote speech at the conference today.a political speech She began writing political speeches for local politicians.beginwritespeechpoliticiana campaign speech (=given during a political campaign) Eisenhower was careful in his campaign speeches to use only the vaguest of phrases.bespeechvaguephraseCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'do a speech'. Say give a speech or make a speech.THESAURUSspeech a talk, especially a formal one about a particular subject, given to a group of people: The bridegroom usually makes a speech after the wedding.make | In her speech, she proposed major changes to the welfare system.proposechange | the opening speech of the conferenceopenaddress formal a speech that a very important person gives to a large group of people: the President's address to the nation | He was surrounded by security officers as he made his address.besurroundofficermaketalk an occasion when someone speaks to a group of people giving them information about a particular subject or about their experiences: I went to an interesting talk on the wildlife of Antarctica.gointerest | He's been asked to give a talk about his trip to India.beasklecture a talk, especially on an academic subject and given to students in a university: a lecture on 17th century French literature | Professor Black is giving the lecture.begivepresentation a talk in which you describe or explain a new product or idea, especially one you give for your company: I had to give a presentation to the board of directors.havedirector | He's making a presentation to the management of a well-known manufacturing company.makeknowmanufacturesermon a talk given by a priest or a religious leader: The vicar preached a sermon about the need for forgiveness.preachstatement a spoken or written announcement that someone makes in public, often to journalists: The minister issued a short statement in which he said he had no plans to resign.issuesayhaveplan
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: attentio, from attendere; → ATTEND 1listen/look/think carefully [uncountable] when you carefully listen to, look at, or think about someone or something:
My attention wasn’t really on the game.She tried to pay attention to what he was saying.trybesayIf you paid more attention in class, you might actually learn something!payScott sat down at his desk and turned his attention to the file he had in front of him.sitturnhaveAs a society we need to give more attention to the needs of older people.needoldNow he’s gone, I can give you my undivided attention.goThis game is fun and is sure to keep the attention of any young student.bebeThey listened to the speech with close attention.listenAttention to detail is essential in this job.beDuring the lecture Sarah’s attention began to wander.begin2INTERESTinterest [plural, uncountable]ATTENTION the interest that people show in someone or something: She was flattered by all the attention he was giving her.beflatterbegiveattract/receive/enjoy attentiona player who quickly attracted the attention of several clubsattractclubThe exhibition received little attention in the press.receivepublic/media/press attentionHer case attracted a great deal of media attention.attractmediumhold/keep sb’s attention (=make someone stay interested and keep reading, listening, watching etc)The book holds the reader’s attention right to the very end.holdRob loves being the centre of attention (=the person who everyone is interested in, listens to etc).lovebeShe spent a lot of time trying to avoid the attentions (=romantic interest) of her boss.spendtryattentionThe man then turned his attentions to (=became romantically interested in) her sister.turnattention3MAKE SB NOTICEnotice a)attract/catch/get sb’s attentionATTENTION to make someone notice you, especially because you want to speak to them or you need their help: She waved to attract the attention of the waitress.wave b)get attentionATTENTION to make someone notice you and be interested in what you are doing: Children often misbehave in order to get attention.child c)draw/call attention to something (also focus attention on something)ATTENTION to make people notice and be concerned or think about something: The purpose of the article was to draw attention to the problems faced by single parents.beproblemfaceparentWe wanted to focus public attention on this matter.wantHe left quietly to avoid drawing attention to himself.leavedraw d)divert/distract/draw attention from somethingATTENTION to make people stop being concerned about something such as a social problem: All this talk of war is just an attempt to draw attention away from the serious economic problems that face our country.beproblem e)bring something to sb’s attentionATTENTION to tell someone, especially someone in authority, about something such as a problem: The matter was first brought to my attention earlier this year.bebringearly f)come to sb’s attentionFIND OUT if something such as a problem comes to the attention of someone in authority, they find out about it: It came to my attention that Jenny was claiming overtime pay for hours she had not worked.comebeclaimhourhavework g)escape your attention if something escaped your attention, you did not notice it: This fact had not escaped the attention of the authorities.haveescapeauthority4repair/cleaning [uncountable] something you do to repair or clean something: The bike’s in fairly good condition, but the gears need a bit of attention.gearbite5careCARE [uncountable]HELP things that you do to help or to take care of someone or something: Pets need a lot of care and attention.petAnyone who comes into contact with these chemicals should seek urgent medical attention.comechemicalshallYour plants look like they could do with a bit of attention.plantcanbite6stand to/at attentionSTAND if soldiers stand to attention, they stand up straight in neat lines7attention! a)used to ask people to listen to important information that is being announced, especially on a loudspeaker (=piece of equipment used to make sounds louder): Attention, please! Could Passenger Marie Thomas please proceed to Gate 25 immediately.can b)used when ordering a group of soldiers to stand up straight in neat lines8LETTERfor the attention of somebody used on the front of an official letter when you want a particular person to read it or deal with it: Letters should be marked ‘for the attention of Joe Benson’.lettershallmarkCOLLOCATIONSverbspay attention to something/somebody He read the final page, paying particular attention to the last paragraph.payturn your attention to something/somebody She quickly put away the shopping and then turned her attention to preparing dinner.shopturnpreparegive something/somebody your attention (=think about something/somebody so that you can deal with a problem) She promised to give the matter her attention the next day.promisesb’s attention wanders (=somebody stops listening, watching etc carefully) During the service, her mind began to wander.beginadjectivessb’s full/complete/undivided attention He gave the task his undivided attention.giveTHESAURUSpay attention to carefully listen to, look at, or think about something or someone: She told the class to stop talking and pay attention.telltalk | In any relationship, it helps to pay attention to each other’s needs.helpneedconcentrate to think carefully about something that you are doing and not let other things disturb your thoughts: I tried to read a few pages, but I was too upset to concentrate.trypagebe | Children need their own quiet space where they can concentrate on their homework.childkeep your mind on something to continue to pay attention to something, especially when you are very excited or worried about something else: On Friday, the day of the party, I had a dreadful time keeping my mind on my work.havekeep | Good football players keep their minds on the game at all times.playermindtimekeep your eyes on something to keep watching something carefully, so that you do not make any mistakes: The first rule of driving is to keep your eyes on the road.drivebeeye | Keep your eyes on the ball – now swing!eyebe engrossed in something to be paying so much attention to a book, a conversation, some work etc, that you do not notice what is happening around you: Helen was sitting up in bed, engrossed in a novel.besitengross | He was so engrossed in what he was doing he didn’t even hear the doorbell ring.beengrossbedobe absorbed in something to be giving all your attention to something, especially something you are reading, watching, or thinking about: The little boy sat at the edge of the pond, totally absorbed in watching the fish.sitabsorbwatch | He was a quiet man who often seemed to be absorbed in his own thoughts.beseemabsorbthought | Matilda was curled up in an armchair, absorbed in a book.becurlabsorbgive something/somebody your undivided attention to give all your attention to something or someone and not do anything else – used especially when this is something you want or need to do: Come round when the kids are in bed so I can give you my undivided attention.kidbe | Once I’ve finished my exams, I’ll be able to give my undivided attention to looking for a job.finishexamlook
nounWord family1[countable]MISTAKE something that has been done in the wrong way, or an opinion or statement that is incorrect → errormistake inWe may have made a mistake in our calculations.makecalculationThe most common mistake is to plant them too deep.be2[countable]MISTAKE something you do that is not sensible or has a bad result: Buying the house seemed a great idea at the time, but now I can see it was a terrible mistake.buyseembeMarrying him was the biggest mistake she ever made.marrybebigmakemake the mistake of doing somethingI stupidly made the mistake of giving them my phone number.makegivenumb3by mistakeDELIBERATELY# if you do something by mistake, you do it without intending to SYN accidentally OPP deliberately, on purpose: Someone must have left the door open by mistake.leaveI’m sorry, this letter is addressed to you – I opened it by mistake.beaddressopen4in mistake for somebody/something as a result of a mistake in which someone or something is wrongly thought to be someone or something else: The boy was shot dead in mistake for a burglar.beshoot5we all make mistakes spokenMISTAKE used to tell someone not to be worried because they have made a mistake6make no mistake (about it) spokenEMPHASIZE used to emphasize that what you are saying is true, especially when you are warning about something serious or dangerous: Make no mistake, this is the most serious threat our industry has ever seen.behavesee7and no mistake British English spoken informalCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY used to emphasize the description you have just given: Miles was a heartbreaker, and no mistake!milbeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsmake a mistake The lab must have made a mistake – this can’t be right.makecorrect a mistake Luckily I was able to correct the mistake before my boss saw it.beseerealize your mistake As soon as he realized his mistake he turned in the right direction.realizeturnadmit your mistake It is better to admit your mistake and apologize.bewellmistakes happen We’re very careful, but mistakes can happen.mistakeADJECTIVES/NOUN + mistakea common mistake A common mistake is to imagine that dogs think like humans.bedoghumana little/minor mistake The essay was full of little mistakes.bemistakea serious/grave mistake There was a serious mistake in the instructions.beinstructionan honest mistake (=a mistake, and not a deliberate action) Thomas admitted he had broken the law, but said that it had been an honest mistake.admithavebreaksayhavebea silly/stupid mistake You need to be able to laugh at your own silly mistakes.mistakean easy mistake (to make) She looks like her sister, so it’s an easy mistake to make.looka spelling mistake She spotted two spelling mistakes in the article.spotspellmistakephrasesbe full of mistakes The article was full of mistakes.bemistakeit is a mistake to think/assume etc something It would be a mistake to assume that all snakes are dangerous.willsnakebethere must be some mistake (=used when you think someone has made a mistake) There must be some mistake. I definitely booked a room for tonight.bookbe full of mistakes (=have a lot of mistakes) The report was full of mistakes.bemistakebe all a mistake (=used to say that a situation happened because of a mistake) He couldn’t bring himself to tell her it was all a mistake.beCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'do a mistake'. Say make a mistake.COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsmake a mistake I just want to prevent you from making a terrible mistake.makelearn from your mistakes I’m sure he will learn from his mistakes.mistakerepeat a mistake We certainly do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past.mistakeadjectivesa big/great mistake Buying this car was a big mistake.buybea bad/terrible/dreadful etc mistake It would be a terrible mistake to marry him.willa serious/grave mistake The decision to take the money was a serious mistake.bea fatal mistake (=a very bad mistake, often one that ends something) His fatal mistake was to underestimate his opponent.bea costly mistake (=that costs you money or has a bad result) Hiring him turned out to be a costly mistake.hireturnphrasesit is a mistake to do something It is a mistake to try to see everything in the museum in one day.bemake the mistake of doing something He made the mistake of revealing his true intentions.makerevealintentionmake the same mistake again/twice We won’t make the same mistake again.winTHESAURUSmistake something incorrect that you accidentally do, say, or write: a spelling mistakespell | I made a mistake – it should say £230, not £320.makeshallerror formal a mistake: an error in the report | grammatical errorserror | He had made a serious error on his tax form.havemakemisprint a small mistake in something that is printed: There was a misprint in the article, and instead of ‘pleasant’ it said ‘pheasant’.besaytypo informal a mistake in something that has been typed or printed: I spotted a couple of typos in the letter.spottypoinaccuracy formal a piece of information that is not completely correct: The report contained several inaccuracies.containinaccuracymix-up a careless mistake in which one name, time, address etc has been confused with another, so that the details of something are wrong: There was a mix-up over the train times and I missed my train.betimemissslip-up a careless mistake when you are doing something: The other team took advantage of the goalie’s slip-up.takeoversight a mistake in which you forget something or do not notice something: Through some oversight, the brochures were not ready by the right date.brochurebea slip of the tongue a mistake in which you accidentally say a similar sounding word: When I said Thursday, I meant Tuesday. It was a slip of the tongue.saymeanbefaux pas /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː, ˈfəʊ pɑː $ ˌfoʊ ˈpɑː/ formal an embarrassing mistake in a social situation, when you do or say something that you shouldn’t: Harris, trying to be funny, addressed the waiter as ‘boy’. A deathly silence followed this faux pas.tryaddressfollowpaa stupid mistakeblunder a stupid mistake caused by not thinking carefully enough about what you are saying or doing, which could have serious results: In a serious blunder by the hospital, two babies were sent home with the wrong parents.babybesendparentgaffe /ɡæf/ an embarrassing and stupid mistake made in a social situation or in public: a serious gaffe in her speech about immigrationhowler British English a very bad mistake, especially one that shows you do not know something, and that often makes other people laugh: Photographers should be careful of making classic howlers, such as having a tree grow out of your subject’s head.photographershallmakehowlerhavecock-up British English informal a silly mistake when you are doing something – a very informal use: They made a cock-up with the bill.make | The government is anxious to avoid any more cock-ups.beup
mistakeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesmistakemistakesmistookmistakenmistakingmistakemistake2 verb (past tense mistook /-ˈstʊk/, past participle mistaken /-ˈsteɪkən/) [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old Norse
Origin: mistaka Verb form1UNDERSTAND#to understand something wrongly:
She mistook my meaning entirely.mistakemeanKen mistook her concern, thinking she was interested in him for another reason.mistakethinkbeinterest2you can’t mistake somebody/somethingRECOGNIZE used to say that someone or something is very easy to recognize: You can’t mistake her. She’s the one with the long red hair.3there is no mistaking somebody/somethingRECOGNIZE used to say that you are certain about something: There’s no mistaking whose children they are – they all look just like Joe.mistakechildbemistake somebody/something for somebody/something phrasal verb RECOGNIZE#to wrongly think that one person or thing is someone or something else: A woman mistook him for a well-known actor, and asked him for his autograph.mistakeknowaskThe doctor mistook the symptoms for blood poisoning.mistakesymptompoisonTHESAURUSmisunderstand to think that someone means one thing, when in fact they mean something else: I think you've misunderstood what I'm saying.misunderstandsay | Some companies appear to have misunderstood the new rules.companymisunderstandrule | Don't misunderstand me - I have nothing against these people.get somebody/something wrong especially spoken to misunderstand someone or something - used especially in everyday spoken English: Looks like you've got it all wrong.lookget | You've got me all wrong - that's not what I meant.getmean | Tell me if I've got it wrong.getmistake to misunderstand someone's intentions, and react in the wrong way: He was a very private man, and some people mistook this for unfriendliness.bemistake | I thought she wanted us to leave her alone, but I may been mistaken.thinkwantbemistakemisread/misjudge to wrongly believe that someone’s actions show that they have a particular opinion or feeling, or that a situation means that you should behave in particular way: The party completely misread the mood of the voters at the last election.voter | Eddie wondered if he should be scared, too. Maybe he had misjudged the situation.wondershallscarehavemisjudgemisinterpret to not understand the true meaning of someone’s actions or words, so that you believe something that is not in fact true: A lot of people misinterpreted what I was saying, and have called me a racist.misinterpretbesaycall | Struggling with an unfamiliar language, the simplest conversations were misinterpreted.strugglesimpleconversationbemisinterpretmisconstrue formal to misunderstand something that someone has said or done: She claimed that members of the press had misconstrued her comments.claimmemberhavemisconstruecommentmiss the point to not understand the main part or meaning of what someone is saying or what something is intended to do: I think you're missing the whole point of the film.miss | If he thinks it's all about how much profit he can make, then he's missing the point.thinkmissget the wrong end of the stick British English informal to make a mistake about one part of something that you are told, so that you understand the rest of it in completely the wrong way: Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick. I thought she was leaving him, not the other way round.getthinkbeleave
verb (past tense and past participle cried, present participle crying, third person singular cries)
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: crier, from Latin quiritare ‘to shout for help (from a citizen), scream’, from Quiris ‘Roman citizen’ Verb form1produce tears [intransitive and transitive] to produce tears from your eyes, usually because you are unhappy or hurt:
Don’t cry, Laura. It’ll be OK.Upstairs, a baby began to cry.beginJamie looked like he’d been crying.lookbecryI just couldn’t stop crying.cryThat film always makes me cry.makecry over/aboutI am too old to be crying over some young guy.becrycry with/inShe felt like crying with frustration.feelcrycry forShe could hear him crying for his mother.cancrycry your eyes/heart out (=be extremely sad and cry a lot)Oliver, alone, began to cry bitterly (=cry a lot).begincry yourself to sleep (=cry until you fall asleep)2say loudly [transitive] writtenSHOUT to shout or say something loudly SYN cry out: ‘Stop!’ she cried.cryIt was painful, and made me cry aloud.bemakecry to‘Goodbye then!’ he cried to her.crycry forI could hear voices crying for help.canvoicecry3cry over spilt milkREGRET/FEEL SORRY to waste time feeling sorry about an earlier mistake or problem that cannot be changed: It’s no use crying over spilt milk.cryspill4for crying out loud spokenANNOY used when you feel annoyed or impatient with someone: For crying out loud, stop nagging!crynag5cry foul to protest because you think something is wrong or not fair: When the ads appeared, it was the Democrats’ turn to cry foul.adappearbedemocrat6animals/birds [intransitive]LOW SOUND OR VOICE if animals or birds cry, they make a loud sound: I could hear gulls crying and the soft whisper of the sea.cangullcry7cry wolfLIE/TELL A LIE to ask for help when you do not need it, so that people do not believe you when you really need help8cry into your beer informalSAD/UNHAPPY to feel too much pity for yourself, especially because you think you have been treated unfairly → not know whether to laugh or cry at laugh1(3), → cry for the moon at moon1(4), → a shoulder to cry on at shoulder1(5)COLLOCATIONSverbsstart/begin to cry She suddenly started to cry.startmake somebody cry The end of the book was so sad that it made me cry.bemakestop crying Eventually, he stopped crying and told me what happened.stopcrytellhappenphrasesfeel like crying I feel like crying every time I think about that day.crycry your eyes/heart out (=be extremely sad and cry a lot) Lucy read the letter and cried her eyes out.cryeyecry like a baby (=cry a lot and without control) I cried like a baby when I heard the news.cryhearcry yourself to sleep (=cry until you fall asleep) That night he cried himself to sleep.cryadverbscry loudly She fell on her bed, crying loudly.fallcrycry quietly/softly People sat crying softly among the wreckage.sitcrycry silently When I looked at Jane, I saw that she was crying silently.lookseebecrycry bitterly (=because you feel angry or hurt) I no longer felt brave or strong, and I began to cry bitterly.longfeelbegincry uncontrollably (=without being able to stop) They were crying uncontrollably at the sight of his grave.becryTHESAURUScry to produce tears from your eyes: Don’t cry – everything will be all right! | Men aren’t supposed to cry.mansupposecry your eyes out especially spoken to cry a lot and for a long time: I cried my eyes out when I watched ‘Titanic’.cryeyewatchbe in tears to be crying: By the end of his story, we were all in tears.betearbe close to tears to be almost crying: You could see that she was close to tears.canbetearweep literary to cry, especially for a long time: His mother put her head on the table and wept.weepsob to cry, taking sudden loud breaths: I could hear someone sobbing in the next room.cansobwail /weɪl/ to cry very loudly in a high voice: The baby started wailing for its mother.startwailwhimper /ˈwɪmpə $ -ər/ to cry quietly and weakly: She began rocking to and fro, whimpering softly.beginrockwhimperhold/fight back the tears to make a big effort not to cry: She told her story, struggling to hold back the tears.tellstruggletearyour eyes water if your eyes water, they have tears in them, for example because of smoke, wind, or when you are cutting onions: The onions were making my eyes water.onionbemakeeyeto start cryingburst into tears to suddenly start crying: The man shouted at her and she burst into tears.shouttearbreak down to start crying after trying hard not to cry, especially when talking about something very upsetting: He broke down and begged for forgiveness.breakbeg | When I saw what had happened to him, I just broke down and cried.seehavehappenbreakcrycry off phrasal verb British English CHANGE YOUR MINDto say that you cannot do something that you have already promised to do → cancel: Leah and I were going to go to Morocco together, but at the last moment she cried off.begocrycry out phrasal verb1SHOUTto make a loud sound of fear, shock, pain etccry out in/withEven the smallest movement made him cry out in pain.smallmakeJohn tightened his grip until she cried out.tightencry2SHOUTto shout or say something loudly: ‘Why are you doing this?’ she cried out suddenly.bedocrycry out forI felt too terrified to even cry out for help.feelterrify3be crying out for something informalNEED to need something urgently: The kitchen is crying out for a coat of paint.becryMy parents had divorced and I was crying out for love.parenthavedivorcebecry
crynounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrycriescrycry2 W3 noun (plural cries)
Word family1sound expressing emotion [countable]SHOUT a loud sound expressing a strong emotion such as pain, fear, or pleasure: a baby’s crycry of pain/alarm/delight etcAlice let out a cry of alarm.let out/give a cryThe stone hit him on the forehead and he gave a sharp cry.give2shout [countable]SHOUT a shouted word or phrasecry ofAt last, there was a cry of ‘Silence!’, and everyone looked towards the door.belookcry forFortunately, a passerby heard his cries for help.hearcry3tears [singular] especially British EnglishCRY a period of time during which tears come out of your eyes, usually because you are unhappy: It’s good to have a cry sometimes.I felt much better after I’d had a good cry (=cried for a long time).feelwellhave4cry for help something someone says or does that shows that they are very unhappy and need help: I think taking the pills was a cry for help.takepillbe5phrase [countable]UNITE a phrase that is used to unite people in support of a particular action or idea SYN slogan: ‘Land and Liberty’ was the rallying cry of revolutionary Mexico.berally → battle cry(1), war cry6animal/bird [countable] a sound made by a particular animal SYN call: the cries of seagulls overheadcryseagull → be a far cry from something at far2(5), → in full cry at full1(22), → hue and cryCOLLOCATIONSphrasesa cry of pain/despair/delight etc A rock was loose and he fell with a sharp cry of surprise.befalla cry escapes somebody/sb’s lips A cry escaped her lips as he tightened his grip on her wrist.escapeliptightenverbsgive a cry The woman looked up and gave a cry of fear.lookgivelet out/utter a cry Seeing the fields and mountains, she let out a cry of delight.seefieldmountainadjectivesa small/little cry The child gave a small cry and burst into tears.giveteara loud cry a loud cry of paina great cry literary (=a loud cry) With a great cry they charged into battle.chargea sharp cry (=loud, short, and sudden) He gave a sharp cry of pain.givea low cry (=not loud or high) I heard a long, low cry of despair.heara strangled/stifled cry (=that stops before it is finished) The girl gave a stifled cry of disappointment.givestiflea muffled cry (=that cannot be heard clearly) I thought I heard a muffled cry from somewhere in the building.thinkhearmufflebuildan anguished/agonised cry (=full of distress) She gave an anguished cry, calling his name.givecall
a musical (=a play that uses singing and dancing to tell a story) from the 1960s about hippies. When it was first performed it was considered to be very shocking by most people, because it includes scenes in which the actors do not wear any clothes.
hairnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshairhairshairhair S1 W1 /heə $ her/
nounWord familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: hær 1[uncountable] the mass of things like fine threads that grows on your head:
Her hair was short and dark.bea short fat man with no hair on his headfair-haired/dark-haired/long-haired etcHe’s a tall fair-haired guy.GrammarIn this meaning, hair is an uncountable noun: He has black hair (NOT black hairs).havehair2[countable] one of the long fine things like thread that grows on people’s heads and on other parts of their bodies, or similar things that grow on animals: The cat has left white hairs all over the sofa.haveleavehairI’m starting to get a few grey hairs.starthairlong-haired/short-hairedlong-haired catscat3be tearing/pulling your hair out to be very worried or angry about something, especially because you do not know what to do: Anyone else would have been tearing their hair out trying to work it out.willbeteartry4let your hair down informalRELAXED to enjoy yourself and start to relax, especially after working very hard: The party gave us all a chance to really let our hair down.give5bad hair day a day when your hair does not look tidy or neat even when you try to arrange it carefully – used humorously: I’m having a bit of a bad hair day.havebite6keep your hair on British English spokenCALM used to tell someone to keep calm and not get annoyed: All right, all right, keep your hair on! I’m sorry.7get in sb’s hair informalANNOY to annoy someone, especially by always being near them8make sb’s hair stand on endFRIGHTENED to make someone very frightened9make sb’s hair curl if a story, experience etc makes your hair curl, it is very surprising, frightening, or shocking: tales that would make your hair curltalewill10not have a hair out of placeTIDY to have a very neat appearance11not turn a hairCALM to remain completely calm when something bad or surprising suddenly happens12not harm/touch a hair of/on sb’s headHARM/BE BAD FOR to not harm someone in any way13the hair of the dog (that bit you) alcohol that you drink to cure a headache caused by drinking too much alcohol the night before – used humorously → have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair at head1(14), → not see hide nor hair of at hide2(5), → split hairs at split1(8)COLLOCATIONScolourdark He’s about six feet tall, with dark hair and blue eyes.footeyeblack his long black hairjet black literary (=completely black) She had shiny jet black hair, and skin as white as snow.havefair Her long fair hair fell untidily over her shoulders.fallshoulderblond/blonde (=yellowish-white in colour) long blonde hair and blue eyeseyegolden the beautiful girl with the long golden hairbrown Her hair was pale brown.bechestnut literary (=dark brown) She had a fine head of chestnut hair.havesandy (=yellowish-brown) He wore his long, sandy brown hair in a ponytail.wearmousy (=an unattractive dull brown) I have pale, mousy hair that is dull and lacks shine.belackred The whole family had red hair.haveginger British English (=orange-brown in colour) a cheeky little boy with ginger hairauburn literary (=orange-brown in colour) He gazed at her long neck and beautiful auburn hair.gazewhite an old man with white hairgrey British English, gray American English She was about 70, with grey hair.besilver Her father’s hair was starting to turn silver.bestartlengthshort I like your hair when it’s short like that.long A few of the boys had long hair.boyhaveshoulder-length/medium-length He had shoulder-length reddish hair.havetypestraight a girl with long straight haircurly When he was young, his hair was thick and curly.bebefrizzy (=tightly curled) She had dark frizzy hair which might have been permed.havebepermwavy (=with loose curls) Her golden wavy hair fell around her shoulders.fallshoulderthick She had thick hair down to her waist.havefine (=thin) Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.bespiky (=stiff and standing up on top of your head) Billy had black spiky hair.haveconditionin good/bad/terrible etc condition How do you keep your hair in such perfect condition?out of condition (=no longer in good condition) If your hair is out of condition, this may be because you are eating the wrong foods.bebeeatfoodglossy/shiny She combed her hair until it was all glossy.combbelustrous literary (=very shiny and attractive) her lustrous dark hair flowing on to her shouldersflowshoulderdull (=not shiny) a shampoo for dull hairgreasy (=containing too much oil) This shampoo is ideal for greasy hair.bedry (=lacking oil) a shampoo for dry hairlank especially literary (= thin, straight, and unattractive) a scruffy young man with lank hairthinning (=becoming thinner because you are losing your hair) His dark hair was thinning on top.bethinreceding (=gradually disappearing, so that it is high on your forehead) The man was in his late thirties, and his hair was receding slightly.beberecededishevelled especially literary (=very untidy) His face was bright red and his hair looked dishevelled.belooktousled especially literary (=a little untidy, in a way that looks attractive) his youthfully handsome face and tousled hair that hung untidily over his collartouslehangwindswept especially literary (=blown around by the wind) Her hair was all windswept when they came off the beach.becomeverbshave ... hair She has beautiful blonde hair.havebrush/comb your hair He cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair.cleantoothbrushwash your hair He showered and washed his hair.showerwashdo your hair (also fix your hair American English) (=arrange it in a style) She’s upstairs doing her hair.dohave your hair cut/done/permed (also get your hair cut etc) (=by a hairdresser) I need to get my hair cut.cut sb’s hair My Mum always cuts my hair.cutdye your hair (blonde/red etc) (=change its colour, especially using chemicals) Craig has dyed his hair black.havedyewear your hair long/in a ponytail etc (=have that style of hair) He wore his hair in a ponytail.weargrow your hair (long) (=let it grow longer) I’m growing my hair long, but it’s taking forever.growtakelose your hair (=become bald) He was a small, round man who was losing his hair.bebeloserun your fingers through sb’s hair (=touch someone’s hair in a loving way) He ran his fingers through her smooth silky hair.runfingerruffle sb’s hair (=rub it in a kind friendly way) He patted me on the back and ruffled my hair.patrufflehair + NOUNhair loss The drug can cause hair loss.hair colour British English, hair color American English Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.genecharacteristichair dye The survey showed that 75% of women have used hair dye.showwomanusephrasesa strand/wisp of hair (=a thin piece of hair) She brushed away a strand of hair from her eyes.brusheyea lock of hair (=a fairly thick piece of hair) She tossed a stray lock of hair back off her forehead.tossa mop of hair (=a large amount of thick untidy hair) He had an unruly mop of brown hair.haveCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'I cut my hair' if another person cut your hair for you. Say I had my hair cut'.
noun [countable] a place where planes take off and land, with buildings for passengers to wait in → airfield: The plane landed at Heathrow Airport.landHer family went to see her off at the airport.goTHESAURUSterminal a big building where people wait to get onto planes: The airline uses terminal 4.use | Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal building.smokebeprohibitbuildrunway a long hard surface on which aircraft land and take off: The plane was taxiing along the runway.betaxithe tarmac an area covered with tarmac outside airport buildings: He stepped off the plane onto the tarmac.stepcheck-in (desk) a place where you report your arrival at an airportdeparture lounge the place where you wait until your plane is ready to leavedeparture gate the place you go through to get on your plane: Will passengers for flight BA670 please go to the departure gate.passengerbaggage reclaim (also baggage claim) American English the place where you collect your cases and bags after a flightimmigration the place where officials check the documents of everyone entering the country: Be prepared for long queues at immigration.preparequeuecustoms the place where your bags are checked for illegal goods when you enter a country: We had our bags checked at customs.havebagcheckcustom
verb [intransitive]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: insistere ‘to stand on, continue with determination’, from sistere ‘to stand’ Verb form1TRUEto say firmly and often that something is true, especially when other people think it may not be trueinsist (that)
Mike insisted that he was right.insistbeHis friends insisted he had no connection with drugs.friendinsisthavedruginsist onShe kept insisting on her innocence.keepinsist2INSISTto demand that something should happen: Stay for supper – I insist!insist (that)They insisted that everyone should come to the party.insistshallHe insisted I should take a taxi.insistshallinsist onWe insist on the highest standards of cleanliness in the hotel.highstandardinsist on/upon doing somethingHe insisted upon checking everything himself.insistcheck3if you insist spokenINSIST used when agreeing to do something that you do not really want to do: ‘Why don’t you call them up today?’ ‘Oh, if you insist!’4DO STH/TAKE ACTIONANNOYinsist on doing something to keep doing something, especially something that is inconvenient or annoying: She will insist on washing her hair just when I want to have a bath.washTHESAURUSinsist to say firmly that someone should do something or that something should happen: She insisted that it was her turn to drive.insistbedemand to say very strongly and sometimes angrily that you want something or that something must happen: I wrote a letter to the company, demanding an apology and a refund.writedemand | The guards demanded to see her ID.guarddemandrequire [usually passive] formal if you are required to do something, a rule or law says that you must do it: The successful applicant will be required to sign a two-year contract.requirebe adamant to say very firmly that something must happen or is right, and refuse to change your mind when other people try to persuade you: The actress has always been adamant about keeping her private life private.havebekeepwon’t take no for an answer informal to insist that someone must do what you say or ask: You’re coming home with me – I won’t take no for an answer.comewinput your foot down to say very firmly that someone must not do something: Ed was talking about dropping out of school, but Mom and Dad put their foot down.betalkdrop
noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin cultura, from cultus; → CULTIVATE 1in a society [uncountable and countable] the beliefs, way of life, art, and customs that are shared and accepted by people in a particular society:
We speak Danish at home so that the boys don’t lose touch with their language and culture.boyIn our culture, it is rude to ask someone how much they earn.beI love working abroad and meeting people from different cultures.workmeetcultureWestern/American/Japanese etc cultureA brief history of Western culture.modern/contemporary cultureBusiness is one of the major forces in modern culture.beforce2in a group [uncountable and countable] the attitudes and beliefs about something that are shared by a particular group of people or in a particular organization: Every government department has its own particular culture.havecorporate/business/company cultureChanging the corporate culture is a long and difficult process.changebeculture ofIn the field of drug development, the culture of secrecy is deep and strong.bemodern American youth culturethe drug culture that is destroying so many young lives todaybedestroylivethe German political culture → subculture3art/music/literature [uncountable]ART/CULTURE activities that are related to art, music, literature etc: If it’s culture you’re looking for, the city has plenty of museums and art galleries.lookhavemuseumgallerythe Italian Ministry of Culturepopular culture (=the music, books, films etc that are liked by a lot of people)culture vulture informal (=someone who is very interested in art, music, literature etc)4society [countable] a society that existed at a particular time in history: This technique was then adapted and refined by the more sophisticated cultures of the ancient world.beadaptrefinecultureprimitive culturesculture5medicine/science [uncountable and countable] technical bacteria or cells grown for medical or scientific use, or the process of growing them: It takes two to three weeks to grow the culture.takeweektissue culturesculture6crops [uncountable] technical the practice of growing crops SYN cultivation: clearing forest for rice cultureclearCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesWestern/American/Japanese etc culture Our society was heavily influenced by Greek and Roman culture.beinfluencenational culture Sport is a major part of our national culture.belocal culture The local culture of the island has much to interest visitors.havevisitora common culture (=one that societies or people share) Britain and America are united by a common culture.beunitetraditional/ancient culture The people have a traditional culture which has hardly changed in 500 years.havechangeyearmodern culture Computers are a part of modern culture.computerbethe dominant culture (=the main culture in an area where there are many different cultures) What are the values of the dominant culture?bevalueculture + NOUNculture shock (=the confusion or shock that people sometimes feel in a very different country or place)
cultureverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriescultureculturesculturedculturingcultureculture2 verb [transitive] technicalVerb form to grow bacteria or cells for medical or scientific use
verb
Word familySense 1-5, 7:Date: 1300-1400
Origin: → PACK2Sense 6:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: pack ‘to make a secret agreement’ (16-17 centuries), perhaps from pact Verb form1clothes [I, T] (also pack up)PUT to put things into cases, bags etc ready for a trip somewhere:
I forgot to pack my razor.forgetHave you finished packing yet?finishpackpack your things/belongingsKelly packed her things before breakfast.packthingpack a bag/caseYou’d better pack your bags. We’re leaving in an hour.wellbagleavepack somebody somethingShall I pack us a picnic?2goods [transitive] (also pack up) to put something into a box or other container, so that it can be moved, sold, or storedpack something in/into somethingNow wild mushrooms are available all year, packed in handy 25 g boxes.mushroombepackbox3crowd [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive]FULL to go in large numbers into a space, or to make people or animals do this, until the space is too fullpack into/in/ontoFifty thousand fans packed into the stadium.fanpackThe sheep had been packed into a truck and transported without food or water.havebepacktransport4protect something [transitive]PROTECT to cover or fill an object with soft material so that it does not get damagedpack in/withGlass must be packed in several layers of paper.packlayer5snow/soil etcPRESS to press snow, soil, sand etc down so that it becomes hard and firmpack something downPack the soil down firmly.6pack your bags informalLEAVE A PLACE to leave a place and not return, especially because of a disagreement7pack a gun American English informal to carry a gun8pack a (hard/hefty/strong etc) punch (also pack a wallop) informalEFFECTIVE to have a very strong or impressive effect: The Spanish wine, with the flavour of honey, packed quite a punch.pack → send somebody packing at send(11)pack something ↔ away phrasal verb PUTto put something back in a box, case etc where it is usually kept: Christmas was over and the decorations packed away.bedecorationpackpack in phrasal verb1pack something ↔ in (also pack something into something)LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT to do a lot in a limited period of time, or fit a lot of information, ideas etc into a limited space: We packed a lot of sightseeing into two weeks.packweekIn an essay of 2,000 words, you can pack a lot in.word2ATTRACTpack somebody ↔ in informal if a film, play etc packs people in, it attracts large numbers to come and see it: Any film starring Tom Cruise always packs them in.starpack3STOP DOING STHpack something ↔ in British English informal to stop doing a job or activity that you are not enjoying: After one year, I packed in university.packSometimes I feel like packing it all in and going off travelling.packgotravel4pack it in British English spokenSTOP DOING STH used to tell someone to stop doing something that is annoying you5British English informal if a machine packs in, it stops working because there is something wrong with it SYN pack up: Halfway to the airport, the engine packed in.packpack somebody/something off phrasal verb informal SENDto send someone to stay somewhere for a period of timepack somebody/something off toMy parents used to pack us off to camp every summer.parentusepack up phrasal verb1to put things into cases, bags etc ready for a trip somewhere: Most of the holidaymakers had packed up and gone.holidaymakerhavepackgopack something ↔ upI gave her a hand packing up her clothes and stuff.givepackclothe2pack something ↔ up to put something into a box or other container, so that it can be moved, sold, or stored: Don’t worry. The removal men will pack everything up.man3informalFINISH DOING STH to finish work at the end of the day: ‘What time do you pack up?’ ‘Oh, about six.’4British English informalBROKEN if a machine packs up, it stops working because there is something wrong with it SYN pack in: The photocopier’s packed up again.pack5LEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATIONpack something ↔ up British English informal to stop doing something, especially a job: He packed up his teaching job after only three months.packteachmonth
packnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespackpackspackpack2 S2 W3 noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Low German
Origin: Dutch pak 1things wrapped togetherTOGETHER something wrapped in paper or packed in a box and then sent by post or taken somewherepack of
a pack of three T-shirtsshirtSend away for your free information pack today. → six-pack(1)2small container especially American EnglishGROUP OF THINGS a small container, usually made of paper, that something is sold in SYN packet British Englishpack ofa pack of cigarettescigarettea 10 oz pack of frozen peasfreezepea3bag especially British English a bag that you carry on your back, especially when climbing or walking, used to carry equipment, clothes etc SYN rucksack British English, backpack4cards (also pack of cards) a complete set of playing cards SYN deck5animals a group of wild animals that hunt together, or a group of dogs trained to hunt together: a wolf packpack ofa pack of houndshound6group of peopleGROUP OF PEOPLE a group of the same type of people, especially a group who you do not approve ofpack ofA pack of reporters were waiting outside.reporterbewait7be leading the pack/be ahead of the pack to be more successful than the other people or companies you are competing against8pack of lies informalUNTRUE something you are told that is completely untrue: Don’t believe what it says in the paper – it’s a pack of lies.saylie9Cub/Brownie pack a group of children who belong to a particular children’s organization → Cub Scout, brownie, girl scout10on a wound a thick soft piece of cloth that you press on a wound to stop the flow of blood SYN compress → ice pack
nounWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: structura ‘act of building’, from struere ‘to make into a pile, build’ 1[uncountable and countable]ORGANIZE the way in which the parts of something are connected with each other and form a whole, or the thing that these parts make up → structuralsocial/political/economic etc structure
the social structure of organizationsorganizationchallenges to the existing power structurechallengeexistA new management structure has been introduced.havebeintroducestructure ofthe structure of the brainmolecular structuresstructure2[countable]BUILD something that has been built, especially something large such as a building or a bridge: a high wooden structure with a curved roofcurve3[uncountable and countable]PLAN a situation where activities are carefully organized and planned: These kids require a lot of structure and stability.kid → career structure at career1(1)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + structuresocial/political/economic structure Many changes had taken place in the social and political structure of the island.changehavetakeclass structure (=the way society is organized according to people’s education, jobs, income etc) Britain had a very rigid class structure.havepower structure (=the way in which the group of people who control a country or organization are organized) He was a critic of the country’s power structure.bemanagement structure (=the way managers of a business are organized) Reform of the management structure was needed.beneedcareer structure (=the way a profession is organized which allows you to move up and get better jobs) Teachers now have a proper career structure.teacherbasic structure These genes are involved in determining the basic structure of cells.genebeinvolvedeterminecellinternal structure Scientists have been investigating the internal structure of the planet Mars.scientistbeinvestigatemarmolecular structure The book tells of the race to find the molecular structure of DNA.tellTHESAURUSbuilding a structure such as a house, church, or factory, that has a roof and walls: The college needs money to pay for new buildings.needbuildingproperty formal a building or piece of land, or both together - used especially when talking about buying and selling buildings or land: The next property they looked at was too small.lookbe | The company received permission to build six residential properties on the land.receivepropertypremises formal the buildings and land that a shop, restaurant, company etc uses: You are not allowed to drink alcohol on the premises.beallowpremise | The bread is baked on the premises.bebakepremisecomplex a group of buildings, or a large building with many parts, used for a particular purpose: The town has one of the best leisure complexes in the country.havewellcomplex | a luxury apartment complexdevelopment a group of new buildings that have all been planned and built together on the same piece of land: a new housing developmenthouse | a huge industrial developmentblock especially British English a large tall building that contains apartments or offices, or is part of a school, university, or hospital: an office block | a block of flatsflat | a tower block (=a very tall building - often used disapprovingly) | My next lecture is in the science block.befacility especially American English a place or building used for a particular activity or industry: a research facility on campusedifice formal a large building, especially one that is tall and impressive - a very formal use: Their head office was an imposing edifice.beimposestructure formal something that has been made to stand upright - used especially when talking about buildings: The stone arch is one of the town’s oldest existing structures.beoldexiststructure | an immense barn-like structure | Mogul calls this building, designed by Donald and John Parkinson in 1928, ‘the most important structure in Los Angeles of the 20th century.’callbuilddesign
structureverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstructurestructuresstructuredstructuringstructurestructure2 AC verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form ORGANIZEto arrange the different parts of something into a pattern or system in which each part is connected to the others SYN organize: The exhibition is structured around three topics.bestructuretopicsoftware that helps users structure their work and their datahelpuserdatum
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Late Latin
Origin: commentum, from Latin, ‘invention’, from comminisci ‘to invent’ 1[uncountable and countable]OPINION an opinion that you express about someone or something SYN remarkcomment on/about
his comments about asylum seekerscommentseekerHe was fined for making abusive comments to the referee.befinemakecommentno comment (=used by people in public life when they do not want to answer questions)2[uncountable]CRITICIZE criticism or discussion of something someone has said or done: The speech received much comment in the press.receive3be a comment on somethingSHOW/BE A SIGN OF to be a sign of the bad quality of something: The number of adults who cannot read is a sad comment on the quality of our schools.numbadultbeschoolCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a comment Everyone was making appreciative comments about the delicious food.bemakecommenthave a comment (=want to make a comment) Do you have any comments on that, David?commentpass (a) comment British English (=give an opinion) He looked at my photos but he didn’t pass comment.lookphotoinvite comment(s) (=ask people to give an opinion) The website invites comments from people who visit it.invitecommentwelcome comments (=be glad to hear people’s opinions) We would welcome your comments and suggestions.willcommentsuggestionreceive comments It is very helpful to receive comments from the public.becommentadjectivesa brief/quick comment I just want to make a very brief comment.a helpful/constructive comment (=one that helps you make progress) Pay close attention to your teacher’s constructive comments.commenta positive/negative comment There were some very positive comments in the report.becommenta critical comment The school has received critical comments from inspectors.havereceivecommentinspector(a) fair comment (=a criticism that is reasonable) I accepted as fair comment 90% of what he said.acceptsaya snide comment (=unkind and made in a secret or indirect way) She made some really snide comments about you when you weren’t here.makecommenta disparaging/derogatory comment (=criticizing someone or something in an unpleasant way) Never make disparaging comments about a colleague’s work.disparagecommenta scathing/damning comment (=a very critical one) There were a lot of scathing comments about the film.becommentan appreciative comment (=showing that you think something is good or nice) Appreciative comments may improve your staff’s performance.commenta sarcastic comment (=in which you say the opposite of what you mean, as an unkind joke) I tried to stay calm, despite his sarcastic comments.trycommenta casual comment (=not very serious or important) I only made a casual comment about finding the work a bit boring.makefindbiteborea passing comment (=a quick comment made without thinking about it very carefully) She got upset about a passing comment I made about her clothes.getpassmakeclothea shrewd comment (=good at judging people or situations) His newspaper article is always full of shrewd comments.becommenta wry comment (=saying that something is bad in an amusing way) ‘Perhaps the food could be improved,’ was the wry comment of one prisoner.canimprovebea bitter comment (=an angry one) Several pensioners passed some bitter comments.pensionerpasscommenta public comment The jury are forbidden from making public comments.beforbidmakecommentTHESAURUScomment something that you say or write in order to give your opinion: Does anyone have any comments?docomment | Readers are invited to send in their comments and suggestions.readerbeinvitecommentsuggestionremark something that you say: Just ignore them if they start making rude remarks.makeremark | I’m not sure what he meant by that last remark.meanpoint something that someone mentions about a subject in a discussion, argument, article etc: That’s an interesting point, Steve.interest | He raises (=mentions) a number of important points in his paper.raisenumbpointobservation a comment in which you say what you think or have noticed about something: Karl Marx made the observation that history repeats itself first as tragedy, second as farce.makerepeataside a comment made in a low voice, that you intend only certain people to hear: ‘Is that true?’, she whispered in an aside to Don.bewhisperquip /kwɪp/ a clever and amusing comment: She knew she should reply with some light-hearted quip.knowshalldig informal a comment you make to annoy or criticize someone: I’m tired of her little digs at me.tiredigtaunt /tɔːnt $ tɒːnt/ a comment intended to make someone angry or upset: The fans made racist taunts throughout the game.fanmaketaunt
commentverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescommentcommentscommentedcommentingcommentcomment2 S3 W3 AC verb [intransitive and transitive]Word familyVerb form SAYto express an opinion about someone or something SYN remarkcomment onPeople were always commenting on his size.becommentcomment thatSmith’s lawyer commented that the decision was ‘outrageous’.commentbeTHESAURUSto say somethingsay to tell someone something, using words: ‘I really ought to go,’ she said.say | Lauren said she’d probably be late.saystate to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts: The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before.statehavesee | Please state your name and address.announce to publicly tell people about something: The chairman announced his resignation.announce | The results will be announced tomorrow.resultannounce | We will announce the winners next Sunday.winner | They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.beannouncetimedeclare to say something very firmly: ‘My personal life is none of your business,’ she declared.bedeclaremention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details: Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school?dohappen | Your name was mentioned!bementionexpress to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words: Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions.childemotioncomment to say what your opinion is about someone or something: The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.beasknote/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing: We have already noted that most old people live alone.note | Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.remarkcomputerbeansweradd to say something more, after what has already been said: He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.addthinkcandopoint out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant: Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour.pointchildsign | It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.pointair to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differences: The programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration.listenerview | Workers were able to air their grievances.workerbegrievancevoice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etc: The president has already voiced his support for the proposal.havevoice | She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.voicehostage
nounWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin profectus, past participle of proficere; → PROFICIENT 1[uncountable and countable]PROFIT money that you gain by selling things or doing business, after your costs have been paid OPP loss → revenue:
The shop’s daily profit is usually around $500.beShe sold the business and bought a farm with the profits.sellbuyprofitThey sold their house at a healthy profit.sell2[uncountable] formalGET an advantage that you gain from doing something: There’s no profit in letting meetings drag on.letmeeting → non-profitCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa big/huge profit Drug companies make huge profits.companyprofita quick profit (=happening quickly) They were only interested in a quick profit.beinteresta good profit There is a good profit to be made in selling cars.bemakesellcara substantial profit The agent then sells the land for a substantial profit to someone else.sella healthy/handsome/tidy profit (=big) By the second year, the restaurant began to make a healthy profit.begina small/modest profit The business managed to produce a small profit last year.managenet profit (=after tax and costs are paid) The company made a net profit of $10.5 million.makegross profit (also pre-tax profit) (=before tax and costs are paid) The hotel group made a gross profit of £51.9 million in 2008.maketrading/operating profit (=profit relating to a company’s normal activities) Both turnover and operating profits were lower.operateprofitbelowverbsmake a profit We are in business to make a profit.beturn/earn a profit (=make a profit) Without the liquor sales, the store could not turn a profit.salecanshow a profit (=make a profit) The business will not show a profit this year.report/post a profit (=officially announce a profit) The company reported net profits of $3.6 million for fiscal year 2006.reportprofitgenerate profit(s) We have the capacity to generate more profit.boost profits (=make them increase) They aim to boost profits by slashing costs.profitslashcostmaximize profits (=make them as big as possible) Every firm tries to maximize its profits.tryprofitprofits are up/down Pre-tax profits were up 21.5%.profitbeprofits rise/increase/grow Half of the firms surveyed expected profits to rise.firmsurveyexpectprofitprofits soar/leap (=increase by a large amount)profits fall The group saw profits fall from £24m to £17.8m.seeprofitprofits slump/plunge (=fall by a large amount) The group’s pre-tax profits slumped to £25.5m.profitslumpTHESAURUSprofit money that you gain by selling things or doing business, after your costs have been paid: Our profits are down this year.profitbe | The big oil companies have made enormous profits following the rise in oil prices.companymakeprofitfollowpriceearnings the profit that a company makes: The company said it expected fourth-quarter earnings to be lower than last year’s results.sayexpectlowresult | Pre-tax earnings have grown from $6.3 million to $9.4 million.growreturn the profit that you get from an investment: You should get a good return on your investment.shall | We didn’t get much of a return on our money. | They’re promising high returns on investments of over $100,000.promisereturninvestmentturnover the amount of business done during a particular period: The illicit drugs industry has an annual turnover of some £200 bn.drughavetakings the money that a business, shop etc gets from selling its goods in a day, week, month etc: He counted the night’s takings.count | This week’s takings are up on last week’s.beinterest money paid to you by a bank or other financial institution when you keep money in an account there: They are offering a high rate of interest on deposits of over £3000.beofferdeposit | The money is still earning interest in your account.beearndividend a part of a company’s profit that is divided among the people who have shares in the company: Shareholders will receive a dividend of 10p for each share.shareholder | The company said it will pay shareholders a final dividend of 700 cents a share.sayshareholdercent
profitverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprofitprofitsprofitedprofittingprofitprofit2 verb [intransitive and transitive]Word familyVerb form1formalUSEFUL to be useful or helpful to someoneprofit somebody to do somethingIt might profit you to learn about the company before your interview.profit by/fromThere are lessons in these stories that all children can profit by.belessonstorychild2to get money from doing somethingprofit by/fromSome industries, such as shipbuilding, clearly profited from the war.industryprofit
noun
Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: Latin optio ‘free choice’ 1choice [countable]CHOOSE a choice you can make in a particular situation → optional:
There are a number of options available.benumboptionHe had two options.haveoptionThis was not the only option open to him.beoption fora range of options for cutting costsoptioncutcostone/another option is to do somethingAnother option is to rent somewhere for six months.berendmonthoption of doing somethingShe had the option of staying for an extra year.havestayTeenage mothers often have no option but to (=have no other choice except to) live with their parents.motherparent2keep/leave your options openDECIDE to wait before making a decision: I’m keeping all my options open for the moment.keepoption3computers [countable] one of the possible choices you can make when using computer software: Select an option from the main menu.a list of optionsoption4easy option (also soft option British English)EASY the choice which will be the least difficult, least strict, or need the least effort, which someone might choose because they are lazy: Is community service just a soft option for criminals?becriminal5right to buy/sell [countable] formal the right to buy or sell something in the futureoption onThe government has agreed to buy 20 planes, with an option on a further 10.haveagreeplanefarConnor now owns 302,000 shares and options.ownshareoption6at school/university [countable] British English one of the subjects that you can choose to study at school for an examination, or as part of a course at a college or university: advice on choosing your optionschooseoption7something additional [countable]ADD something that is offered in addition to the standard equipment when you buy something new, especially a car8first optionFIRST the chance to buy or get something before anyone elsefirst option onThey’ve agreed to give us the first option on their apartment.agreeCOLLOCATIONSverbshave an option At the moment, children have the option of leaving school at 16.childleave | In a situation like this, you have two options.optiongive/offer somebody an option Some employees were given the option of retiring early.employeebegiveretire | Buyers will usually be offered the option of paying in instalments.buyerofferpayinstalmentchoose an option Fewer women are choosing the option of motherhood.womanbechoosego for an option (=choose an option) Which option do you think they'll go for?take (up) an option (=choose an option ) America was persuaded not to take up the option of military action.bepersuadelook at an option (=consider an option) You have to look at every option as your business develops.developlimit your options (=limit what you can choose to do) If you don’t go to college, it may limit your options.optionadjectivesa good/better option Renting a house may be a better option than buying.rentwellbuyan attractive option (=one that sounds or is good) If time is short, taking the car to northern France is an attractive option.betakebea realistic/real/serious option (=something that you can really choose to do) I wanted to start my own business but financially it was never a realistic option.wantbea viable/practical option (=something you can choose that will be successful) Surgery may be a viable option when all else fails.faila popular option Independent sixth-form colleges are becoming a popular option.collegebebecomea cheap option We urgently need to find a cheaper option than oil or gas.cheapa safe option (=one that involves no risk) A special savings account can be a safe option.savingsb’s preferred option formal (=the option someone likes best) The new scheme appears to be the airport management’s preferred option.appearpreferan easy option (also a soft option British English) (=a choice which is not difficult, or which needs the least effort) For most people, divorce is never an easy option.bephrasesan option is open/available to somebody (=a particular choice is available to someone) Giving a prison sentence is only one of the options open to the judge.givebeoptionkeep/leave your options open (=to not limit what you can choose to do later) Studying a broad range of subjects helps to keep your options open.studysubjecthelpoptionhave no/little option but to do something (=have no other choice than to do something) I had no option but to fire him.havea range of options The council is considering a range of options for improving the city’s transport system.beconsideroptionimproveTHESAURUSchoice: choice of: The school seems OK, but there isn’t a great choice of courses.seemcourse | have a choice (=be able to choose from several things): With her high grades and athletic skill, Celeste had her choice of colleges.gradehavecollege | have no choice but to do something (=to be forced to do something because there is nothing else you can choose): Spooner says he had no choice but to file for bankruptcy.sayhave | wide choice (=a lot of things to choose from): There is a wide choice of hotels and hostels in the town.behotelhosteloption one of the things that you can choose to do in a particular situation: He basically has two options: he can have the surgery, or he can give up playing football.haveoptionplay | keep/leave your options open (=delay choosing so that you continue to have several things to choose from): I haven’t signed any contracts yet – I want to keep my options open.signcontractoptionalternative one of two or more ways of doing something: Did you consider other alternatives before you moved in with Lucy?doalternativemove | alternative to: There is no practical alternative to our current policy.be | have no alternative (=to not have a choice): He says he doesn’t want to see a doctor, but I’m afraid he has no alternative.sayhave
noun
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin collegium ‘society’, from collega; → COLLEAGUE 1ADVANCED EDUCATIONspecialized education [uncountable and countable] a school for advanced education, especially in a particular profession or skill:
a teacher training collegetrainDonna left school and went to art college.leavegocollege ofthe London College of Fashionat collegeWe were great friends when we were at college.befriendbe2us university [uncountable and countable] American English a large school where you can study after high school and get a degree SYN university British English: Some people who want to go to college still can’t get there.in collegeFran just finished her freshman year in college.finisha decline in the number of college students studying historynumbstudentstudycollege graduatesgraduatea college educationcollege campusescampus → community college, junior college3part of a universityPART OF UNIVERSITY [countable] one of the groups of teachers and students that form a separate part of some universities, especially in Britain: Trinity College, Cambridge4students and teachersSTUDENTS AND TEACHERS [countable also + plural verb British English] the students and teachers of one of these organizations5professional organizationORGANIZATION [countable]GROUP OF PEOPLE a group of people who have special rights, duties, or powers within a profession or organization: the American College of Surgeonssurgeon6name of a schoolSCHOOL [countable] British English a word used in the name of some large schools, especially public schools → electoral collegeCOLLOCATIONSverbsgo to (a) college After university I went to drama college for a year.goattend (a) college formal He was the first person in his family to attend college.befinish (at) college What are you going to do when you finish art college?begoADJECTIVES/NOUN + collegean art/music/drama college The Music College was founded in 1869.befoundan agricultural/secretarial/technical etc college I wanted a job in farm management so I went to agricultural college.wantgoa teacher training college (=where you learn to be a teacher)a military college (=where you learn to be an officer in the army)a Further Education/FE college British English (=where adults can go to study, especially part-time)a tutorial college British English (=where you can have private or small group lessons)a sixth form college British English (=where students in Britain can go at 16, instead of a school)nounsa college student/teacher/lecturer a sixth-form college studentTHESAURUSuniversity a place where you can study a subject at a high level to get a degree: Harvard University | About a third of the pupils go on to university.pupilcollege in Britain, a place where you can study after you finish secondary school, especially to train for a job. In the US, a place where you can study and get a bachelor’s degree: She’s at teacher training college.train | the Royal College of Music | Where did you go to college?docommunity college (also junior college) American English a school that students can go to for two years in order to learn a skill or prepare for university: Community colleges can provide job-specific training.collegetraingraduate school a college or university where you can study for a master’s degree or a doctorate, after receiving your first degree: I taught for a few years, and then went back to graduate school.teachyeargo
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: purchacier ‘to try to get’, from chacier ‘to run after and try to catch’ Verb form formalBUY to buy something:
You can purchase insurance online.the growing demand to purchase goods on creditgrowgoodWhere did you purchase the car?dopurchase fromTickets may be purchased in advance from the box office.ticketpurchase—purchasablepurchasable adjective—purchaserpurchaserspurchaser noun [countable]: France was the no. 1 purchaser of Iraqi oil.beTHESAURUSbuy to pay money for something so that you can own it: I’ve just bought a new car.buy | The painting was bought by a museum in New York.paintbebuypurchase formal to buy something, especially something large or expensive, in a business deal or by a legal contract: They purchased 5,000 acres of land.purchaseacreacquire formal to become the owner of something large or expensive such as property, a company, or a valuable object: In 2007 the business was acquired by a Dutch company.beacquire | Television companies were then allowed to acquire more stations.companybeallowstationget especially spoken to buy something, especially ordinary things such as food, clothes, or things for your house: Did you remember to get some bread?do | I never know what to get Dad for his birthday.snap something up informal to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap, or because you want it very much and you are worried that someone else might buy it first: Real estate in the area is being snapped up by developers.bebesnapdeveloperpick something up informal to buy something, especially something ordinary such as food or a newspaper, or something that you have found by chance and are pleased about owning: Could you pick up some milk on your way home?can | It’s just a little thing I picked up when I was in Kathmandu.pickbestock up to buy a lot of something you use regularly, because you may not be able to buy it later, or because you are planning to use more of it than usual: The supermarkets are full of people stocking up for the New Year’s holiday.supermarketbestock | We always stock up on cheap wine when we go to France. | Before the blizzard, we stocked up on food.stocksplash out British English informal, splurge American English informal to buy something you would not usually buy, because it is too expensive, in order to celebrate an event or make yourself feel good: Why don’t you splash out on a new dress for the party? | We splurged on an expensive hotel for the last night of the vacation.splurge
purchasenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplespurchasepurchasespurchasepurchase2 W3 AC nounWord family1[uncountable and countable] formalBUY something you buy, or the act of buying it: She paid for her purchases and left.paypurchaseleaveday/date/time of purchaseThis product should be consumed on the day of purchase.shallconsumeI enclose my receipt as proof of purchase.purchase ofa loan towards the purchase of a new carShe made two purchases from my stall.makepurchase → hire purchase, purchase price2[singular] formalHOLD a firm hold on somethinggain/get a purchase on somethingThe ice made it impossible to get a purchase on the road.make
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: brægen
1ORGANorgan [countable] the organ inside your head that controls how you think, feel, and move: Messages from the brain are carried by the central nervous system.messagebecarrythe chemistry of the brainthe human brainthe right/left hemisphere of the brain (=the right or left side of the brain)Emotional responses are a function of the right hemisphere of the brain.responsebeShe died of a brain tumour.diebrain tissue/cell2intelligence [countable usually plural, uncountable]INTELLIGENT the ability to think clearly and learn quickly: If you had any brains, you’d know what I meant.havebrainmeanThe job requires brains.requirebrainSomething’s addled your brains (=made you confused).addlebrainCome on, use your brain, John.3PERSONperson [countable usually plural] informalINTELLIGENT someone who is intelligent, with good ideas and useful skills: Some of our best brains are leaving the country to work in the US.wellbrainbeleave → brain drain4food [uncountable] (also brains [plural]) the brain of an animal, used as food5have something on the brain informalTHINK ABOUT to be always thinking about something: I’ve got that song on the brain today.get6be the brains behind/of somethingDEVELOP to be the person who thought of and developed a particular plan, system, or organization, especially a successful one: Danny’s definitely the brains of the project.brain7brain dead a)in a state where your brain has stopped working properly, even though your heart may still be beating b)STUPID/NOT INTELLIGENT informal in a state in which you seem stupid or uninteresting, especially because you live a boring life or are very tired8something is not brain surgery informal used to say that something is not difficult to do → bird-brain, hare-brained, → beat your brains out at beat1(22), → pick sb’s brains at pick1(7), → rack your brain(s) at rack2(2)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave brains You should have more brains than to smoke.shallbrainuse your brain It’s easy if you just use your brain.rack your brains (=try very hard to think of something) If we all rack our brains we should come up with some ideas.brainshallideapick sb’s brains (=ask someone for ideas) I thought I’d pick Greg's brains about what to take with us.thinkbrainit takes/requires brains to do something It takes brains to think of a plan like that.takebrainsomething addles your brain (=makes you unable to think clearly) The alcohol had addled his brain.haveaddleadjectivesa good/quick brain It was obvious that Ann had a good brain.behave
brainverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesbrainbrainsbrainedbrainingbrainbrain2 verb [transitive] informalVerb form HITto hit someone very hard on the head – used humorously: I wanted to brain him.want
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin brevis 1TIMESHORT TIMEcontinuing for a short time → brevity:
We stopped by Alice’s house for a brief visit.stopLet’s keep this conversation brief; I have a plane to catch.a brief period/moment/spell etcGreene spent a brief time at Cambridge.spend2SPEECH/LETTERSHORT/NOT LONGusing very few words or including few details → brevity: The president read a brief statement to reporters before boarding his plane.reporterboarda brief description of the film3be briefSHORT/NOT LONG to say or write something using only a few words, especially because there is little time: I’ll be brief; a lot of changes are going to happen.changebego4CLOTHESSHORT/NOT LONGclothes that are brief are short and cover only a small area of your body: a very brief bikiniCOLLOCATIONSnounsa brief period/time He lived there all his life, apart from a brief period during the war.livea brief spell (=time) For a brief spell in early summer it is the most beautiful of all the trees.betreea brief moment The old lady’s gaze rested on her for a brief moment.resta brief visit The President flew to Argentina for a brief visit.flya brief look He gave her a brief look.givea brief glimpse (=a sight of something that lasts for a short time) From the train I had a brief glimpse of the city.havea brief pause There was a brief pause before he replied.bereplya brief silence After a brief silence, she made another suggestion.makea brief appearance He made a brief appearance before reporters outside his Manhattan townhouse.makereporter
briefnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbriefbriefsbriefbrief2 AC noun [countable]1INSTRUCTIONS[usually singular] official instructions that explain what someone’s job is, what their duties are etc: The architect’s brief is to design an extension that is modern but blends with the rest of the building.bebeblendbuild2law a short spoken or written statement giving facts about a law case: The ACLU filed a brief (=gave one to the court) opposing the decision.fileoppose3British English law a law case that a lawyer will argue in a court4a short report about something5in brief a)SHORT/NOT LONGin as few words as possible: We should, in brief, invest heavily in digital systems.shallsystem b)SHORT/NOT LONGwithout any details: Here again are today’s headlines in brief.beheadline6briefs [plural] men’s or women’s underwear worn on the lower part of the bodyTHESAURUSlawyer someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court: His lawyer told him to plead guilty.tellattorney American English a lawyer. Attorney sounds more formal than lawyer: ‘The United States sees intellectual property rights as sacred,’ said Thomas Klitgaard, an attorney specializing in international law.unitestateseerightsayspecialize | Acting on the advice of his attorney, he remained silent throughout the questioning.actremainquestionsolicitor a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law: She works as a commercial property solicitor at Nabarro Nathanson in London.work | He went to the family solicitor to make a will.gobarrister a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts: McWalter's barrister, Hugh Vass, stressed his client’s previous good character.stressadvocate formal a formal word for a lawyer in American English, or a barrister in Scotland: The committee can put questions to the defendant or his advocate.questionbrief British English informal the lawyer who represents someone in a court case: His brief asked for a fine rather than a prison sentence.askcounsel [uncountable] the lawyer or group of lawyers who are representing someone in court: counsel for the defence/prosecution
briefverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbriefbriefsbriefedbriefingbriefbrief3 AC verb [transitive]Verb form TELLto give someone all the information about a situation that they will need → briefingbrief somebody on somethingThe president has been fully briefed on the current situation in Haiti.havebebrief → debriefTHESAURUStell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: She wrote to tell me she was getting married.writebegetmarry | Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?nearbelet somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: Let me know your new address as soon as you can. | Let us know what happens at the interview.happenpass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her. | If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.officerbebriefgosuspectrelate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.relatehaverecount formal to tell someone about a series of events: The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.recountbring something to sb’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.want | She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.beeffectpesticidefill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?makebe
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]BUY a product that is brought from one country into another so that it can be sold there, or the business of doing this OPP export: a ban on beef importsimportthe abolition of import duties (=taxes)dutyimport fromcheap imports from AsiaimportAmerican demand for Japanese imports (=goods from Japan)importthe import of electrical goodsgood2[countable] something new or different that is brought to a place where it did not previously exist: The beetle is thought to be a European import.bethink3[uncountable] formal importance or meaning → significance: a matter of no great importCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + imports foreign imports Foreign imports into Britain continued to grow in the 1970s.importcontinuecheap imports Farmers are complaining about cheap imports flooding the market.farmerbecomplainimportfloodJapanese/French etc imports (=goods from Japan, France etc) Japanese imports rose by 5% last year.importriseoil/coal/food imports The country is dependent on oil imports for almost all its basic energy needs.beimportneedrice/sugar etc imports There is pressure on the country to reduce its rice imports.beimportagricultural imports Restrictions on agricultural imports remain in place.restrictionimportessential imports The country had problems paying for its essential imports.haveproblempayimportluxury imports Higher duties were placed on luxury imports.highdutybeplaceimportverbsincrease imports The company increased imports in order to cut domestic production costs.increaseimportcostreduce/cut imports New investment will reduce imports and save jobs.importjobcontrol/restrict imports (=reduce or put a limit on them) The scheme aims to control imports of cheap goods.aimimportgoodban imports (=make them illegal) The organization wants the government to ban imports of exotic birds.wantimportbirdimports increase/rise/grow Imports increased by 13 percent last year.importincreaseimports fall/drop Imports of consumer goods fell sharply in December.importgoodfallimport + NOUNan import ban The US imposed an import ban on several types of fish.imposetypeimport restrictions/controls (=laws which reduce or limit the amount of imports) Severe import controls were introduced.controlbeintroduceimport quotas (=limits on the number of imports allowed) Each country introduced its own import quotas.introducequotaimport taxes/duties/tariffs The US imposed huge import duties on products from Europe.imposedutyproductTHESAURUSproduct noun [countable] something that is made or produced in large quantities, usually in order to be sold: consumer products such as mobile phonesproductphone | dairy productsproductgoods noun [plural] things that are produced in order to be sold, especially for use in the home: They sell furniture and other household goods.good | electrical goodsgood | white goods (=large electrical goods used in the home such as washing machines and refrigerators)goodcommodity noun [countable] formal a type of product or raw material that can be bought and sold – used especially about basic food products, metals, and fuels: The decline in prices for agricultural commodities made the economic situation worse.pricecommoditymakeill | All metal was a valuable commodity and was rarely wasted.bebewastmerchandise noun [uncountable] formal things that are being sold, especially in shops: Customers are not allowed to handle the merchandise.customerbeallow | Sales of books, videos, and other merchandise have increased.salebookvideoincreasewares noun [plural] written things that are offered for sale, especially in a market or on the street: In the market, the traders began selling their wares.traderbeginsellware | Merchants brought their wares from all over the world.merchantbringwareexport noun [countable often plural] a product that is sent to a foreign country in order to be sold: US exports rose to $11.935 billion.exportrise | At the moment, oil is their biggest export.bebigimport noun [countable often plural] goods that are brought from one country into another to be sold there: The UK clothing industry cannot compete with foreign imports on price.clotheimport
importverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesimportimportsimportedimportingimportim·port2 /ɪmˈpɔːt $ -ɔːrt/ verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: importare, from portare ‘to carry’ Verb form1BUYto bring a product from one country into another so that it can be sold there OPP export:
In 2001, Britain exported more cars than it imported.exportcarimportimport something from somethingAll the meat is imported from France.beimport2to introduce something new or different in a place where it did not previously exist: The unusual designs were probably imported from Iran.designbeimportimport something to/into somethingThe US comedy format was gradually imported to UK screens.beimportscreen3to move information from one computer to another OPP exportimport something from/into somethingYou can now import graphics from other applications.graphicapplication—importedimported adjective: imported autosimportautoimported dataimportdatum
noun1[countable] a)HOMEthe details of the place where someone lives or works, which you use to send them letters etc: What’s your new address?I can give you the address of a good attorney. b)the series of letters and other symbols that you put when sending email to a particular person, or that is the name of a website: They have changed the address of their website.change2[countable]TALK/MAKE A SPEECH a formal speech that someone makes to a group of peopleaddress toan address to the European Parliamentpresidential/inaugural etc addressThe new President delivered his inaugural address in Creole.deliver3form/mode/style of addressTALK TO SB the correct title or name that you should use when speaking or writing to someoneCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + addresssb’s home/private address What’s your home address?sb’s work/business/school address I sent the letter to her work address.send | My business address is on my card.besb’s email address I can’t find his email address.a web/website address Just type in the web address.a postal/mailing address (=the place where a letter is sent ) Please give your bank’s full postal address.the full address They need the full address, including the postcode.includea forwarding address (=a new address for sending mail to when you move from your old address) They moved without leaving a forwarding address.moveleaveforwarda false/fake address He gave the police a false address.givesb’s old/new address I’ve only got his old address.getverbsgive somebody your address She refused to give me her address.refusehave/know sb’s address Do you know Helen’s address? | No one seems to have his address.seemlose sb’s address I wanted to write to him, but I’ve lost his address.wantlosephrasessb’s name and address We’ll need your full name and address.a change of address (=a new address when you move to a different place) You need to inform your bank if there’s been a change of address.beof no fixed address (=having no permanent home – used especially in news reports) a 25-year-old man of no fixed addressfixan address book (=a book or a file on your computer, where you keep people’s addresses)THESAURUSspeech a talk, especially a formal one about a particular subject, given to a group of people: The bridegroom usually makes a speech after the wedding.make | In her speech, she proposed major changes to the welfare system.proposechange | the opening speech of the conferenceopenaddress formal a speech that a very important person gives to a large group of people: the President's address to the nation | He was surrounded by security officers as he made his address.besurroundofficermaketalk an occasion when someone speaks to a group of people giving them information about a particular subject or about their experiences: I went to an interesting talk on the wildlife of Antarctica.gointerest | He's been asked to give a talk about his trip to India.beasklecture a talk, especially on an academic subject and given to students in a university: a lecture on 17th century French literature | Professor Black is giving the lecture.begivepresentation a talk in which you describe or explain a new product or idea, especially one you give for your company: I had to give a presentation to the board of directors.havedirector | He's making a presentation to the management of a well-known manufacturing company.makeknowmanufacturesermon a talk given by a priest or a religious leader: The vicar preached a sermon about the need for forgiveness.preachstatement a spoken or written announcement that someone makes in public, often to journalists: The minister issued a short statement in which he said he had no plans to resign.issuesayhaveplan
addressverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaddressaddressesaddressedaddressingaddressad‧dress2 S2 W2 /əˈdres/ verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: adresser, from dresser ‘to arrange’ Verb form1SENDif you address an envelope, package etc, you write on it the name and address of the person you are sending it toaddress something to somebody
That letter was addressed to me.beaddressSend a stamped, self-addressed envelope (=with your address on it so it can be sent back to you).stampaddress2formal if you address a problem, you start trying to solve itaddress a problem/question/issue etcOur products address the needs of real users.productneeduseraddress yourself to somethingMarlowe now addressed himself to the task of searching the room.addresssearch3formal to speak to someone directly: She turned to address the man on her left.turnleave4formal if you address remarks, complaints etc to someone, you say or write them directly to that person: You will have to address your comments to our Head Office.comment5TALK/MAKE A SPEECHto make a formal speech to a large group of peopleaddress a meeting/conference etcHe addressed an audience of 10,000 supporters.addresssupporter6TALK TO SBto use a particular title or name when speaking or writing to someoneaddress somebody as somethingThe president should be addressed as ‘Mr. President’.shalladdress
noun
Word family1round/square etc [uncountable and countable]SHAPE the form that something has, for example round, square, triangular etc: What shape is the table?beYou can recognize a tree by the shape of its leaves.leaveround/square etc in shapeThe dining room was square in shape.dinebeHis battered old hat had completely lost its shape.batterhavelosein the shape of somethinga silver pin in the shape of a large birdThe plants grow in every shape and size.plantThe children cut out shapes (=squares, triangles etc) from the piece of cardboard.childshapeout of shapeThe wheel had been bent out of shape.havebebend2health/condition a)in good/bad/poor etc shape in good, bad etc condition, or in good, bad etc health: For an old car, it’s in pretty good shape.The economy is in worse shape now than it was last year.beillbeKaplan seemed to be in better shape than either of us.seemwell b)in shape/out of shape in a good or bad state of health or physical fitness → fit, unfit: I was feeling totally out of shape.befeelI’ve got to get into shape before summer.getkeep/stay in shapeShe’s bought an exercise bike to keep in shape.buy c)in no shape to do something to be sick, tired, drunk etc, and not able to do something well: Mel was in no shape to drive home after the party.be3knock/lick/get somebody/something into shapeIMPROVE to make someone or something better so that they reach the necessary standard: Some of them lack experience, but we’ll soon knock them into shape.4character of something [singular]CHARACTER OF STH the way something looks, works, or is organizedshape ofComputers have completely changed the shape of our industry.computerchangeThis new technique is the shape of things to come (=an example of the way things will develop in the future).bething5take shapeDEVELOP to develop into a clear and definite form: An idea was beginning to take shape in his mind.bebegin6in the shape of somethingCONSIST OF/BE MADE OF used to explain what something consists of: Help came in the shape of a $10,000 loan from his parents.comeparent7not in any shape or form (also not in any way, shape, or form) used to say that you will not accept something for any reason: We will not tolerate racism in any shape or form.8thing not seen clearly [countable]SHAPE a thing or person that you cannot see clearly enough to recognize: A dark shape moved behind them.moveTHESAURUStypes of shapessquare a shape with four straight sides that are equal in length and four angles of 90 degreescircle a round shape that is like an Osemicircle half a circletriangle a shape with three straight sides and three anglesrectangle a shape with four straight sides and four angles of 90 degreesoval a shape like a circle, but that is longer than it is widecylinder an object in the shape of a tubecube a solid object with six equal square sidespyramid a shape with a square base and four triangular sides that meet in a point at the topsphere a shape like a balldescribing types of shapessquare shaped like a square: a square boxcircular/round shaped like a circle: a circular tablesemicircular shaped like a semicircle: a semicircular arch above the doortriangular shaped like a triangle: sails divided into triangular sectionssaildividesectionrectangular shaped like a rectangle: a simple rectangular buildingbuildoval shaped like an oval: an oval swimming poolswimcylindrical shaped like a cylinder: The statue is on top of a tall cylindrical column.bespherical shaped like a ball: The planet Saturn is not completely spherical.be
shapeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshapeshapesshapedshapingshapeshape2 verb [transitive]Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: scieppan Verb form1EFFECT/INFLUENCEto influence something such as a belief, opinion etc and make it develop in a particular way:
People’s political beliefs are shaped by what they see in the papers.beliefbeshapepaper2MAKEto make something have a particular shape, especially by pressing itshape something into somethingShape the dough into small balls.ballegg-shaped/V-shaped etcan L-shaped living roomshapeliveshape up phrasal verb informal1IMPROVEto improve your behaviour or work: You kids had better shape up, because I’m in no mood to fool around.kidhavewell2IMPROVEto make progress in a particular way: Ken’s plans for the business are shaping up nicely.planbeshapeshape up asImmigration is shaping up as a major issue in the campaign.beshapeshape up to be somethingIt’s shaping up to be a pretty big party.shape3shape up or ship out American English spokenIMPROVE used to tell someone that if they do not improve, they will be made to leave a place or their job
SHAPESHAPESHAPESHAPE /ʃeɪp/
abbreviation for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe; the place in Belgium where the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, one of the military commanders of nato, is based
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: cosin, from Latin consobrinus, from com- ( → COM-) + sobrinus ‘cousin on the mother's side’ (from soror ‘sister’) 1the child of your uncle or aunt → first cousin, kissing cousin, second cousin2LIKE/SIMILARsomething that has the same origins as something elsecousin of/to
a drug that is a chemical cousin to amphetaminesbeamphetamineclose/distant cousinThe Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear.be3someone or something that is similar to someone or something else: His avant-garde music, sometime cousin to jazz, had limited appeal.havelimit
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Origin: rebel ‘rebellious’ (13-21 centuries), from Old French rebelle, from Latin, from bellum ‘war’ 1someone who opposes or fights against people in authority:
Anti-government rebels attacked the town.rebelattackrebel forces/soldiersthe rebel leader2DISOBEYsomeone who refuses to do things in the normal way, or in the way that other people want them to: Alex has always been a bit of a rebel.havebebite
rebelverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrebelrebelsrebelledrebellingrebelre‧bel2 /rɪˈbel/ verb (past tense and past participle rebelled, present participle rebelling) [intransitive]Verb form1DISOBEYto oppose or fight against someone in authority or against an idea or situation which you do not agree withrebel againstteenage boys rebelling against their parentsboyrebelparent2written if your stomach, legs, mind etc rebel, you cannot do or believe something you think you should: He knew he ought to eat, but his stomach rebelled.knowrebel
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: ecg 1outside partEDGE [countable] the part of an object that is furthest from its centre:
Put the eggs in the centre of the dish, with the vegetables and herbs around the edge.eggvegetableherbthe edge of somethingthe right hand edge of the pageJennifer walked to the edge of the wood.walkBilly sat on the edge of the bed.sitHe stood at the water’s edge staring across the lake.standstareA leaf was on the ground, curling up at the edges.begrindcurledge2blade [countable] the thin sharp part of a blade or tool that cuts: a knife with a sharp edge3advantage [singular, uncountable] something that gives you an advantage over others: Companies are employing more research teams to get an edge.companybeemployteamThe next version of the software will have the edge over its competitors.competitor4on edgeNERVOUS nervous, especially because you are expecting something unpleasant to happen: Paul felt on edge about meeting Lisa.feelmeet5voice [singular] a quality in someone’s voice that makes it sound slightly angry or impatient: There was an edge of hostility in Jack’s voice.beDesperation lent an edge to her voice.lend6slope [countable] an area beside a very steep slope: She walked almost to the edge of the cliff.walk7on the edge of something close to the point at which something different, especially something bad, will happen: Their economy is on the edge of collapse.beShe is on the edge of despair.be8quality [singular] a special quality of excitement or danger: The school’s campaign has been given an extra edge by being filmed for television.havebegivebefilm9take the edge off somethingREDUCE to make something less bad, good, strong etc: Pascoe was drinking whisky to take the edge off the pain.bedrink10on the edge of your seat giving all your attention to something exciting: The film’s ending had me on the edge of my seat.endhave11be on the edge informalCRAZY to be behaving in a way that makes it seem as if you are going crazy → cutting edgeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesthe top edge I gripped the top edge of the door and pulled myself up.grippullthe bottom/lower edge The lower edge of the window frame was starting to rot.lowbestartthe front/back edge I banged my elbow on the front edge of the desk.bangthe inside/inner edge He painted carefully around the inner edge of each door.paintthe outside/outer edge The airport is located on the outer edge of town.belocatethe northern/southern etc edge (=the part of an area that is close to the point where the area ends) There’s a ridge of hills on the northern edge of the county.hillphrasesthe edge of the sea (=the land next to the sea) The castle stands on the edge of the sea.standthe river’s/water’s edge (=the land next to a river etc) We sat down at the water’s edge.sitCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbshave the edge over somebody/something (=to be slightly better than someone or something else) We believe our products have the edge over the competition.productget/gain an edge over somebody/something (=gain a small advantage over someone or something else) A well trained workforce is a key factor in gaining a competitive edge over our rivals.trainbegainrivalgive somebody the edge (=give someone a small advantage) I hope my qualifications and experience will give me the edge.qualificationlose your edge (=lose an advantage that you had) He’s had a lot of injuries and lost a lot of his competitive edge.haveinjuryloseadjectivesa slight edge (also a bit of an edge) (=a small advantage) Running on the inside lane will give him a slight edge.runa distinct edge (=a definite or noticeable advantage) Being tall gives you a distinct edge in some sports.begivesporta competitive edge (=something that makes a person or business able to compete successfully against other people or businesses) He believes investment in new technology is the only way for the company to maintain its competitive edge.believebeTHESAURUSedge the part of something that is furthest from its centre or nearest the place where it ends: He got up quickly, knocking his plate off the edge of the table.getknock | the outer edge of the villageside the part of something that is near its left or right edge: On the left side of the garden there was an old stone wall.leavebe | They parked by the side of the road.parkrim the edge of something circular, especially the top of a cup or glass, or the outside edge of a pair of glasses: a white cup with a gold rim | She was looking at me over the rim of her spectacles.belookspectaclemargin the empty space at the side of a page that has writing on it: My teacher had marked my essay and made some comments in the margin.havemarkmakecomment | Leave wide margins on both sides of the page.marginsidehem the edge of a piece of cloth that is turned under and stitched down, especially the lower edge of a skirt, trousers etc: If you want the dress a bit shorter, I can easily turn up the hem.biteshortkerb British English, curb American English the edge of the pavement (=raised path) at the side of a road: A big black car was parked at the kerb.beparkoutskirts the areas of a city that are furthest away from the centre: The new station was built on the outskirts of the city.bebuildperimeter the outside edge around an enclosed area of land such as a military camp or a prison: Security guards patrol the perimeter night and day.guard
edgeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesedgeedgesedgededgingedgeedge2 verb
Verb form1move [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]MOVE/CHANGE POSITION to move gradually with several small movements, or to make something do this: Tim was edging away from the crowd.beedgeShe edged closer to get a better look.edgeclosewellHe edged her towards the door.edgeedge your way into/round/through etc somethingChristine edged her way round the back of the house.edge2put at edge [transitive usually passive]EDGE to put something on the edge or border of something: The city square was edged by trees.beedgetreebe edged with somethingThe tablecloth is edged with lace.beedge3change [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]SLOW to change gradually, especially so as to get better or worseedge up/downProfits have edged up.profitedgeThe paper has edged ahead of (=been more successful than) its rivals.haveedgerival4grass [transitive] to cut the edges of an area of grass so that they are tidy and straightedge somebody ↔ out phrasal verb1to defeat someone by a small amount: Italy edged out France by two points.edgepoint2to gradually force someone to leave their job or an area of activity
noun
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: relever; → RELIEVE 1comfort [singular, uncountable]COMFORT/MAKE SB FEEL BETTER a feeling of comfort when something frightening, worrying, or painful has ended or has not happened → relieve:
I felt a huge surge of relief and happiness.feelwith reliefHe watched with relief as the girl nodded.watchnodin reliefHe laughed in relief.laughNo one was hurt, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.bebreatheit is a relief to see/have/know etc somethingI hate to say it, but it was a relief to have him out of the house.beto sb’s reliefTo my relief, they spoke English.speakwhat a relief/that’s a reliefThe doctor said it was just the flu. What a relief!saybe2reduction of pain [uncountable]COMFORT/MAKE SB FEEL BETTER when something reduces someone’s pain or unhappy feelings: Marijuana can provide pain relief for some cancer patients.patientrelief ofthe relief of sufferingsufferrelief fromThe cool room provided relief from the terrible heat outdoors.provide3help [uncountable]HELP money, food, clothes etc given to people who are poor or hungry: money raised for the relief effortraisedisaster/famine/flood etc relieffamine relief for victims of the droughtvictim4replacement [uncountable]REPLACE a person or group of people that replaces another one and does their work after they have finished: the relief for the military guarda relief driver5decoration [uncountable and countable] a way of decorating wood, stone etc with a shape or figure that is raised above the surface, or the decoration itself → bas reliefin relieffigures carved in relieffigurecarve6bring/throw something into relief (also stand out in relief)CLEAR/EASY TO SEE to make something very noticeable, or to be very noticeablesharp/stark reliefThe tree stood out in stark relief against the snow.standThe article throws into sharp relief the differences between the two theories.throwdifferencetheory7light/comic reliefFUNNY a funny moment during a serious film, book, or situation: a moment of comic relief8money [uncountable] old-fashioned especially American EnglishMONEY money given by the government to help people who are poor, old, unemployed etc SYN welfareon relieffamilies on relief during the Depressionfamily9war [uncountable] formal the act of freeing a town when it has been surrounded by an enemyrelief ofthe relief of Mafeking10map in relief if you show a part of the Earth’s surface in relief, you show the differences in height between different parts of it → tax reliefCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesa great/enormous/tremendous etc relief It was a great relief to him when she returned safely.bereturna welcome relief The holiday was a welcome relief from the pressure of work.beverbscome as a relief The court's decision came as a huge relief to Microsoft.comefeel relief I felt nothing but relief when it was over.feelberelief floods through somebody literary When she heard he was still alive, relief flooded through her.hearbefloodphrasesa sense/feeling of relief She was filled with an overwhelming sense of relief.befilloverwhelmbreathe/heave a sigh of relief United fans breathed a huge sigh of relief as Drogba's shot was tipped over the bar.unitefanbreatheshootbetipwhat a relief What a relief to be able to say what I really feel!such a relief It's just such a relief to have found someone!findCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3NOUN + reliefdisaster/emergency relief Our objective is to provide food aid and emergency relief to developing countries.bedevelopcountryfamine/flood relief We donated $1,000 to the American Red Cross for flood relief.donaterelief + NOUNa relief agency/organization Relief agencies reported that many of the refugees had arrived in a terrible condition.agencyreportrefugeehavearriverelief supplies/aid US troops had helped distribute relief supplies to Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq.troophavehelpsupplyrefugeerelief efforts In areas severely affected by the earthquake, it is difficult to coordinate relief efforts.areaaffectbeefforta relief operation UN officials accused the government of obstructing relief operations in the south of the country.officialaccuseobstructoperationa relief worker The relief workers have to bring in clean drinking water by tanker.workerdrinkrelief work The charity raised over five million pounds for relief work.raisepounda relief convoy/flight A relief convoy of 10 trucks set off with food and medical supplies.trucksupply
verbWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: imposer, from Latin imponere, from ponere ‘to put’ Verb form1PUT[transitive] if someone in authority imposes a rule, punishment, tax etc, they force people to accept it:
The court can impose a fine.impose something on something/somebodyThe government imposed a ban on the sale of ivory.impose2[transitive]FORCE SB TO DO STH to force someone to have the same ideas, beliefs etc as youimpose something on somebodyparents who impose their own moral values on their childrenparentvaluechild3[intransitive] formalPROBLEM to expect or ask someone to do something for you when this is not convenient for themimpose on/uponWe could ask to stay the night, but I don’t want to impose on them.can4PROBLEM[transitive] to have a bad effect on something or someone and to cause problems for themimpose a burden/hardship etc (on somebody/something)Military spending imposes a huge strain on the economy.spendimposeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say put a ban/tax/burden/strain on something rather than impose a ban/tax/burden/strain on something:The government put a higher tax on cigarettes.highcigaretteThis puts a lot of strain on families.putfamily
verb (past tense threw /θruː/, past participle thrown /θrəʊn $ θroʊn/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: thrawan ‘to cause to twist or turn’ Verb form1throw a ball/stone etc [intransitive and transitive]THROW to make an object such as a ball move quickly through the air by pushing your hand forward quickly and letting the object gothrow something to somebody
He threw his shirt to someone in the crowd.throwthrow something at somebody/somethingSomeone threw a stone at the car.throwa crowd of boys throwing snowballs at each otherboythrowsnowballthrow somebody somethingThrow me that towel, would you.will ► You throw something to someone when you want them to catch it. You throw something at someone when you want to hit them.2put something carelessly [transitive always + adverb/preposition]CARELESS to put something somewhere quickly and carelessly: He threw a handful of money onto the table.throwDon’t just throw your clothes on the floor – pick them up!clothe3push roughly/violently [transitive always + adverb/preposition]PUSH to push someone or something roughly and violently: The bus stopped suddenly and we were all thrown forwards.stopbethrowforwardThe guards threw Biko to the ground and started kicking him.guardthrowgrindstartkickThe bomb exploded, throwing bricks and debris into the air.explodethrowbrickShe drew the curtains and threw open the windows.drawcurtainthrowwindow4make somebody fall [transitive] a)to make your opponent fall to the ground in a sport in which you fight b)FALLif a horse throws its rider, it makes them fall onto the ground5move hands/head etc [transitive always + adverb/preposition]MOVE/CHANGE POSITION to suddenly and quickly move your hands, arms, head etc into a new position: I threw my arms around her and kissed her.throwarmkissHe threw his head back and laughed.throwlaugh6confuse somebody [transitive]CONFUSED to make someone feel very confused: It threw me completely when she said she was coming to stay with us.throwsaybecome7throw yourself at/on/into/down etcJUMP to move or jump somewhere suddenly and with a lot of force: He threw himself down onto the bed.throwShe committed suicide by throwing herself out of a tenth floor window.committhrow8throw somebody in/into prison/jailKEEP SB IN A PLACE to put someone in prison: Anyone who opposes the regime is thrown in jail.opposebethrow9throw somebody out of work/office etcLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to suddenly take away someone’s job or position of authority: Hundreds of men were thrown out of work when the mine closed down.hundredmanbethrowcloseElections were held, and the government was thrown out of office.electionbeholdbethrow10throw somebody/something into confusion/chaos/disarray etcCONFUSED to make people feel very confused and not certain about what they should do: Everyone was thrown into confusion by this news.bethrowThe transport industry has been thrown into chaos by the strike.havebethrow11throw doubt on something to make people think that something is probably not true: Fresh evidence has thrown doubt on her story.havethrow12throw suspicion on somebodySUSPECT to make people think that someone is probably guilty: This latest document throws suspicion on the company chairman.latethrow13throw somebody a look/glance/smile etcLOOK AT to quickly look at someone with a particular expression that shows how you are feeling: He threw Anna a big smile.throwHe threw a glance at Connor.throw14throw a fit/tantrumANGRY to react in a very angry way: I can’t tell my parents – they’d throw a fit!parent15throw a question/remark etc (at somebody)ASK A QUESTION to say something to someone or ask them something roughly: They threw a few awkward questions at me.throwquestion‘You’re early!’ she threw at him accusingly.throw16throw something open a)PUBLIC/NOT PRIVATEto allow people to go into a place that is usually kept privatethrow something open toPlans have been announced to throw the Palace open to the public.planbeannounce b)LET/ALLOWto allow anyone to take part in a competition or a discussionthrow something open toI would now like to throw the debate open to our audience.will17throw a switch/handle/leverSWITCH ON OR OFF to make something start or stop working by moving a control: He threw a switch and the lights all went out.throwlightgo18throw a partyPARTY to organize a party and invite people19throw money at something informalSPEND MONEYSOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEM to try to solve a problem by spending a lot of money but without really thinking about the problem: The problem cannot be solved by throwing money at it.solvethrow20be thrown back on somethingDEPEND/IT DEPENDS to be forced to have to depend on your own skills, knowledge etc: Once again, we were thrown back on our own resources.bethrowresource21throw yourself into somethingENTHUSIASTIC to start doing an activity with a lot of effort and energy: Since her husband died, she’s thrown herself into her work.diethrow22throw your weight aroundFORCE SB TO DO STH to use your position of authority to tell people what to do in an unreasonable way: He’s the sort of insensitive bully who enjoys throwing his weight around.enjoythrow23throw your weight behind somebody/somethingSUPPORT A TEAM OR PLAYER to support a plan, person etc and use your power to make sure they succeed: The party leadership is throwing its weight behind the campaign.bethrow24throw light on somethingSHOW/LET SB SEE STH to make something easier to understand by providing new information: Recent investigations have thrown new light on how the two men died.investigationthrowmandie25throw a light/shadowSENDDARK to make light or shadow fall on a particular place: The trees threw long, dark shadows across the cornfield.treethrowshadow26throw the book at somebody informalPUNISH to punish someone as severely as possible or charge them with as many offences as possible: If you get caught they’ll throw the book at you!catch27throw something (back) in sb’s faceUNKIND to be unkind to someone after they have been kind to you or helped you: I felt that everything I’d done for them was thrown back in my face.feeldobethrow28throw up your hands (in horror/dismay etc) to do something that shows you think something is not good but feel you cannot do anything to change it: Ted threw up his hands in disgust. ‘Can’t you make her change her mind?’ he asked.throwhandask29throw in your hand to stop trying to do something SYN give up30throw yourself at somebody informalATTRACT to try very hard to attract someone’s attention because you want to have a sexual relationship with them31throw a punchHIT to try to hit someone with your hand in a fight: We need to sort this out before people start throwing punches.throwpunch32throw a match/game/fight to deliberately lose a fight or sports game that you could have won: He was allegedly offered £20,000 to throw the match.beoffer33throw dice/a six/a four etc to roll dice or to get a particular number by rolling dice: You have to throw a six to start.34throw a pot to make a pot by shaping clay as it turns round on a special wheel35throw your voice to use a special trick to make your voice seem to be coming from a different place from the place you are standing36throw caution to the wind(s)RISK to ignore the risks and deliberately behave in a way that may cause trouble or problems: I threw caution to the winds and followed him.throwwindfollow37throw the baby out with the bath waterFAIL to get rid of good useful parts of a system, organization etc when you are changing it in order to try and make it better → throw in/cast your lot with somebody at lot2(8)THESAURUSthrow to make something such as a ball or stone move quickly through the air using your hand: I threw the ball back to him.throw | Protestors began throwing stones at the police.beginthrowstone | I just threw the letter in the bin.throwtoss (also chuck) informal to throw something, especially in a careless way without using much effort: She tossed her coat onto the bed.toss | Can you chuck me the remote control?hurl to throw something with a lot of force: Someone hurled a brick through his window.hurlfling to angrily throw something somewhere with a lot of force, or to carelessly throw something somewhere because you have very little time: He flung her keys into the river.flingkey | I flung a few things into a suitcase.flingthingheave /hiːv/ to throw something heavy using a lot of effort: They heaved the log into the river.heavelob to throw something high into the air over someone or something: The police lobbed tear gas canisters over the heads of the demonstrators.lobcanisterheaddemonstratorto throw a ball in a sportpass to throw the ball to another member of your team: He passed the ball to Wilkinson, who kicked the ball over the goalposts.passkickgoalpostpitch to throw the ball to the batter in a game of baseball: Stoddard pitched for the Chicago White Sox.pitchbowl to throw the ball towards the person who is batting in a game of cricket: Harmison bowled superbly and took 5 wickets.bowltakewicketthrow something ↔ away phrasal verb1GET RID OFTHROW AWAYto get rid of something that you do not want or need: I never throw clothes away.clotheI shouldn’t have thrown away the receipt.throw2to spend money in a way that is not sensible: I can’t afford to throw money away.3FAILto waste something good that you have, for example a skill or an opportunity: This could be the best chance you’ll ever have. Don’t throw it away!canwellthrow something ↔ in phrasal verb1ADDto add something to what you are selling, without increasing the price: We paid $2000 for the boat, with the trailer and spares thrown in.paysparethrow2SAY/STATEif you throw in a remark, you say it suddenly without thinking carefully: She threw in a couple of odd remarks about men.throwremarkman3throw in the sponge/towel informalLOSE A GAME, COMPETITION, OR WAR to admit that you have been defeatedthrow somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb1TAKE OFF CLOTHESto take off a piece of clothing in a quick careless way: They threw off their clothes and dived in.throwclothedive2FREE TO DO WHAT YOU WANTto get free from something that has been limiting your freedom: In 1845, they finally threw off the yoke of foreign rule.throw3BETTER/RECOVEREDif you throw off an illness, you get better from it: It’s taken me ages to throw off this cold.takeage4ESCAPEto escape from someone or something that is chasing you: We ran flat out for about half a mile before we could throw them off.runcan5MAKEto produce large amounts of heat or light: The engine was throwing off so much heat that the air above it shimmered with haze.bethrowshimmerthrow something ↔ on phrasal verb PUT ON CLOTHESto put on a piece of clothing quickly and carelessly: I threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.throwthrow somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1GET RID OFto get rid of something that you do not want or need: We usually throw out all our old magazines.magazine2LEAVE A PLACELEAVE A RELATIONSHIPto make someone leave a place, school, or organization, especially because they have done something that is against the rules: Nick got thrown out of college in the second year for taking drugs.getthrowtakedrugI knew he would never throw us out on the street (=make us leave our home when we have nowhere else to live).knowwill3REJECT/NOT ACCEPTif people throw out a plan or suggestion, they refuse to accept it: The idea was thrown out by the committee.bethrowThe bill was thrown out by the Senate.bethrow4MAKEif something throws out smoke, heat, dust etc, it produces a lot of it and fills the air with it: huge trucks throwing out noxious fumes from their exhauststruckthrowfumeexhaustthrow somebody ↔ over phrasal verb old-fashionedRELATIONSHIP to end a romantic relationship with someonethrow somebody/something ↔ together phrasal verb1COOKto make something such as a meal quickly and not very carefully: There’s lots of food in the fridge – I’m sure I can throw something together.lot2MEETif a situation throws people together, it makes them meet and know each other: It was the war that had thrown them together.behavethrowthrow up phrasal verb1SICK/VOMITto bring food or drink up from your stomach out through your mouth because you are ill SYN vomit: Georgia was bent over the basin, throwing up.bebendthrow2throw something ↔ up British English to produce problems, ideas, results etc: The arrangement may throw up problems in other areas.problemarea3throw something ↔ up if a vehicle, runner etc throws up dust, water etc as they move along, they make it rise into the air4throw something ↔ up British English informal to suddenly leave your job, your home etc: I can’t just throw everything up and come and live with you.5throw something ↔ up British English to build something quickly: new houses hastily thrown up by developershousethrowdeveloper
thrownounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesthrowthrowsthrowthrow2 noun [countable]1THROWan action in which someone throws something: That was a great throw!bea throw of over 80 metresmetre2an action in which someone rolls a dice in a game: It’s your throw3a large piece of cloth that you put loosely over a chair to cover it and make it look attractive: a brightly-coloured cotton throwcolour
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Medieval Latin influentia, from Latin fluere ‘to flow’ 1[uncountable and countable]POWER the power to affect the way someone or something develops, behaves, or thinks, without using direct force or orders:
As a scientist, his influence was immense.beinfluence on/overthe unions’ influence over local politicsunion2[countable]EFFECT/INFLUENCE someone or something that has an influence on other people or thingsbad/good/positive etc influence (on somebody)Gayle’s mother said I was a bad influence on her daughter.saybeFor centuries the country remained untouched by outside influences.centuryremaininfluence3under the influence (of alcohol/drink/drugs etc)DRUNK drunk or feeling the effects of a drugCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbshave an influence on somebody/something His works have had an influence on many modern writers.workhavewriterexert an influence formal (=have an influence) Technology exerts a powerful influence over our lives.exertliveuse your influence She wasn’t afraid to use her influence to get what she wanted.wantexercise/wield influence formal (=use it) The Federal Reserve exercises influence on the economy by setting short-term interest rates.exercisesetratecome/fall under the influence of somebody/something (=be influenced by someone or something) They had come under the influence of a religious sect.haveextend your influence (=make your influence larger) Syria had the opportunity to extend its influence in the region.haveadjectivesa good/positive influence Television can have a positive influence on young people.a bad/negative influence He thought her friends were a bad influence.thinkfriendbea big/great influence The goalkeeper’s injury had a big influence on the match.havean important/significant/major influence Parents have an important influence on children's development.parentchild | He was a major influence on my musical tastes.betasteconsiderable influence Well-organized pressure groups can exert considerable influence on the government.organizegroupa strong/powerful influence The press can have a powerful influence on the way people vote.a deep/profound influence His writings had a profound influence on the Romantic poets.writinghavepoeta growing influence Many people are worried about the growing influence of these websites.beworrygrowwebsitea lasting influence (=continuing for a long time) His travels in Africa had a lasting influence on his work.travelhavelasta direct/indirect influence The Cubist painters had a direct influence on his work.painterhave | The federal government has an indirect influence on investment through its control of bank credits.havecredita calming/soothing influence The music seemed to have a calming influence.seemcalmsb’s personal influence Frank used his personal influence to get his son a job at the newspaper.usepolitical/cultural/economic influence French political influence began to dominate the country.beginoutside/external influence (=happening from outside a country or a situation) They must make their own decisions, free from external influence.decision | The US remains the biggest outside influence on the country.remainbigundue influence (=too much influence) He felt that the United States wielded undue influence in Europe.feelunitestatewieldTHESAURUSeffect a change that is caused by an event, action etc: The people in this area are still suffering from the effects of the famine.besuffereffect | The treatment had little or no effect.haveimpact an effect that happens as a result of something important, especially a big and permanent effect: Changes in technology have had a massive impact on the way we work.changehave | the environmental impact of industrial activityinfluence the effect that something has on people’s opinions or behaviour, or on how something develops: American television has had a big influence on popular culture in the west.havehave | His ideas had a lot of influence at the time.ideahaveside effect an unwanted and unplanned effect that something has – used especially about drugs and medical treatment: Common side effects of the drug may include headaches and muscle pains.effectheadachepainafter-effects British English, aftereffects American English bad effects that continue for a long time after the thing that caused them: A traumatic experience can have severe psychological after-effects.effect | the after-effects of the wareffectrepercussions /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃəns $ -pər-// the effects that happen later as a result of an event or decision, especially a range of effects that continue for a long time: The scandal could have serious repercussions for her career.canrepercussion | The judge’s decision is likely to have important repercussions for future cases of this kind.berepercussioncasea knock-on effect British English used when something has an effect on something, which then has an effect on something else: Higher oil prices have a knock-on effect on other fuels.highpricefuelfootprint the effect that human activities have on the environment, caused by using up its natural resources, pollution, waste etc: Businesses all over the world must attempt to reduce their environmental footprint.business | The house has a low carbon footprint (=it uses very little energy from carbon and therefore is good for the environment).have
influenceverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesinfluenceinfluencesinfluencedinfluencinginfluenceinfluence2 S3 W2 verb [transitive]Verb form EFFECT/INFLUENCEto affect the way someone or something develops, behaves, thinks etc without directly forcing or ordering them: Marx was strongly influenced by the historian Niebuhr.beinfluenceinfluence a decision/outcome/choice etcSeveral factors are likely to influence this decision.factorbeinfluence somebody to do somethingWhat influenced you to take up nursing?influencenurseTHESAURUSpersuade to make someone decide to do something, especially by giving them reasons why they should do it, or asking them many times to do it: I persuaded her to change her mind.persuade | Do you think you can persuade him to lend us the money?talk somebody into (doing) something to persuade someone to do something, especially something they do not really want to do: Why did I let you talk me into this?do | He finally talked her into going on a date with him.talkgoget somebody to do something to make someone do something by persuading or asking them: If we can’t get a taxi I’ll get Joe to pick us up. | I know how to get you to kiss me.convince to persuade someone that they should do something, because it is the best or the right thing to do. Some British speakers think this use is incorrect, and prefer to use persuade: It would be difficult to convince him to move.willencourage to try to persuade someone to do something, especially because you think it will be good for them: Children should be encouraged to read all kinds of books.childshallencouragekindbookinfluence to have an effect on what someone decides to do: What influences you to buy clothes?influenceclothecoax to persuade someone to do something by talking gently and kindly: I tried to coax him to eat a little.trycajole /kəˈdʒəʊl $ -ˈdʒoʊl/ to persuade someone to do something by praising them or making promises to them: He hoped to cajole her into selling her house.hopesellput somebody up to something to persuade or encourage someone to do something wrong or stupid: Who put you up to this?dissuade formal to persuade someone not to do something: How do you dissuade young people from experimenting with drugs?experimentdrug
verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: reformer, from Latin reformare, from formare ‘to form’ Verb form1[transitive]CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT to improve a system, law, organization etc by making a lot of changes to it, so that it operates in a fairer or more effective way:
plans to radically reform the tax systemplan2[intransitive and transitive]BEHAVE to change your behaviour and become a better person, or to make someone do this: Greeley says he’s a genuinely reformed character.sayreforma reformed criminalreformTHESAURUSto change somethingchange to make someone or something different: Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to change the situation. | Being at college has changed her – she’s much more confident now.behavechangealter especially written tochange something so that it is better or more suitable: You can alter the colour and size of the image using a remote control.use | Can we alter the date of the meeting?meetadapt to change something slightly in order to improve it or make it more suitable: How much would it cost to adapt the existing equipment?willexist | You can adapt the recipe to suit your own requirements.requirementadjust to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: How do you adjust the volume on the television? | He adjusted his tie in the mirror.adjustmodify especially written to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or use it in a different way: He’s modified his opinions since then.modifyopinion | a modified version of the original program.modifyreform to change a law, system, organization etc so that it is fairer or more effective: plans to reform the tax systemplan | Health care needs to be completely reformed.needreformrevise to change a plan, idea, law etc because of new information and ideas: In July, China revised the rules for foreign investment.reviserule | The findings could force the scientists to revise their ideas about climate change.findingcanscientistideareorganize to change the way that a system or organization works: We’ve had to reorganize our databasehave | During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.reorganizerestructure to make big changes to the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: The company has been restructured from top to bottom.haveberestructure
reformnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesreformreformsreformreform2 W2 noun [uncountable and countable]Word family CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENTa change or changes made to a system or organization in order to improve itreform ofa reform of the legal systemeconomic/political/educational reformThe government announced a much-needed programme of economic reform.announceneedReforms were made to revive the economy.reformbemakefar-reaching/sweeping/radical reformsThe Prime Minister is calling for sweeping reforms of the NHS.becallsweepreformCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + reform economic reform The Prime Minister has promised to push ahead with economic reform.havepromisepolitical/democratic/constitutional reform He stressed that democratic reform could not be achieved overnight.stresscanachievetax reform The Chancellor's proposals for tax reform met strong resistance in the Commons.proposalmeetcommoneducation reform Teachers say the government's education reforms are causing stress.teacherreformbecausea major reform He called for a major reform of the drug laws.calllawradical reform (=very big and important changes) His government adopted a policy of radical reform.adoptfundamental reform (=changes to the most basic and important parts of something) He wants fundamental reform of the EU's agricultural policy.wantfar-reaching/sweeping reforms (=reforms that affect many things or have a great effect) The new government instituted a series of far-reaching reforms.institutereachreformverbsmake/carry out reforms They haven't made any real reforms.makereformintroduce reforms They increased pressure on the government to introduce political reforms.increasereformpush through reforms (=make them happen) He has so far failed to push through much-needed economic reforms.havefailneedreformimplement reforms (=carry out planned reforms) Much will depend on how local managers implement the reforms.managerreformphrasesa package/programme of reforms A package of reforms was approved by the National Assembly on April 12.reformbeapproveTHESAURUSchange noun [uncountable and countable] a situation in which someone or something becomes different, or the act of making something different: There was a sudden change in the weather.be | We are living in a period of great change.belive | He was told to make some slight changes to his essay.betellchangealteration noun [uncountable and countable] a change, especially a small one that happens naturally or gradually, or one that is made in order to improve something: I noticed a slight alteration in her behaviour.notice | They had to make some alterations to their original theory.havealterationreform noun [uncountable and countable] a change made to a system or law in order to improve it: He called for a reform of our outdated voting system.callvote | Many people opposed the economic reforms.opposereformshift noun [countable] a change, especially in people’s attitudes or in the way they do things, or in the position of someone or something: a shift in public opinion about the war | There has been a noticeable shift in government policy on education.havebe | There needs to be a major shift away from road transport to rail transport.need | After he died, there was a dramatic shift in the balance of power.diebeswing a big change, especially in someone’s opinions or moods: There has been a big swing toward the Democrats (=many more people are supporting them).havebedemocrat | The drug can cause mood swings.swingfluctuation noun [uncountable and countable] a change in something - used when something changes often: fluctuations in the value of the dollarfluctuation | temperature fluctuationsfluctuation | fluctuations in his moodfluctuation | There has been some fluctuation in productivity levels.havebelevel
re-formverbCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesre-formre-formsre-formedre-formingre-formre-form /ˌriː ˈfɔːm $ -ɔːrm/
verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form START TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETCto start to exist again or to make something start to exist again: At the end of the year, the company re-formed.form
noun [uncountable and countable]Word family1CRITICIZEremarks that say what you think is bad about someone or something OPP praisecriticism ofMy main criticism of the scheme is that it does nothing to help families on low incomes.bedofamilyincomeDespite strong criticism, the new system is still in place.beThere has been widespread criticism of the decision.havebeWe try to give students constructive criticism.studentAnother criticism levelled at him was that his teaching methods were old-fashioned.levelbeteachmethodbefashionThe government’s economic strategy has attracted a lot of criticism.haveattractYou must learn to accept criticism.Many employees find it hard to take even mild criticism.employeeHis actions provoked severe criticism from civil rights groups.actionprovokerightgroupthe storm of criticism that followed his announcementfollow2writing which expresses judgments about the good or bad qualities of books, films, music etc: literary criticismCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesstrong/severe/heavy criticism This decision attracted heavy criticism from environmental groups.attractgroupfierce/bitter/harsh/sharp criticism (=involving angry feelings) The prison system has been the object of fierce criticism.havebepublic criticism As a politician, you have to get used to public criticism.useconstructive criticism (=aimed at improving something or someone in a helpful way) Praise and constructive criticism are both very useful.bewidespread criticism There was widespread criticism of his speech.begrowing/mounting criticism The government was faced with mounting criticism at home and abroad.befacemountoutspoken criticism (=said very openly and directly) I was surprised by his outspoken criticism of the system.besurpriseimplied criticism (=suggested indirectly, rather than said openly) She sensed the implied criticism in his remarks.senseimplyremarkverbsdraw/attract/provoke criticism (=be criticized) The plan has drawn criticism from some groups.havedrawgroupcome under criticism/come in for criticism (=be criticized) The deal came under fierce criticism from other American airlines.comeairlinemeet (with) criticism (=be criticized) His theory met with harsh criticism from colleagues.meetcolleagueface criticism He has often faced criticism in the local press.havefaceaccept/take criticism (=allow it and learn from it) Very few people know how to accept criticism.level criticism at somebody/something (=aim it at someone or something) A great deal of criticism was levelled at the company.belevelsingle somebody out for criticism (=to criticize one person, organization etc specifically) The goalkeeper was singled out for criticism.besinglephrasesbe the subject of criticism/be subjected to criticism (=be criticized by people) The club has been the subject of criticism since last October.havebebe open to criticism (=be willing or able to accept it) Management have decided this and I don't think they're open to criticism.decidebe sensitive to criticism (=to react to criticism, often in a bad way) He was highly sensitive to criticism in the press.bea storm/barrage of criticism (=a lot of criticism) His comments provoked a barrage of criticism.commentprovoke
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: requeste, from Vulgar Latin, from requaerere; → REQUIRE 1ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STHa polite or formal demand for somethingrequest for
They have made an urgent request for international aid.makerequest fromrequests from customers for more informationrequestcustomerrequest thatAnderson repeated his request that we postpone the meeting.repeatmeetat sb’s request (=because someone asked for it to be done)The study was done at the request of the Chairman.bedoon request (=if you ask for it)Further details will be sent on request.fardetailsendby requestThere were no flowers at the funeral, by request.beflower2a piece of music that is played on the radio because someone has asked for itCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a request I’d like to make a request.submit/put in a request (=make a formal request) The request was first submitted a number of months ago.besubmitnumbmonth | He has put in a request for two weeks' holiday.haveweekagree to a request (also grant sb’s request formal) The judge granted his request.grant | Diana was happy to agree to his request.berefuse/reject a request (also turn down sb’s request) He rejected their request for a meeting.rejectmeet | This request was turned down because of the cost.beturnreceive a request They had received two urgent requests for assistance.havereceiverequestconsider a request After carefully considering this request, the council rejected it.considerrejectrespond to a request Thank you to those who responded to our request for information last month.respondignore a request They ignored repeated requests to leave the property.ignorerepeatrequestadjectivesa formal request The government made a formal request for food aid.makea special request Do you have any special requests?requestan urgent request The family made an urgent request on television for help in finding their daughter.makefinda reasonable request It seemed like a reasonable request.seema strange/unusual request This is rather an unusual request.bea written request If you wish to take you child on holiday during the school term, you must make a formal written request.writerepeated requests The bank would not reveal its figures, despite repeated requests.willfigurerepeatrequestTHESAURUSquestion something that you ask someone, either when speaking or when writing: Would anyone like to ask any questions?willquestion | I’ve emailed the hotel with one or two questions.emailquestionquery /ˈkwɪəri $ ˈkwɪri/ especially British English a question that you ask when you are not sure you have understood something or that the information you have is correct: If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent.query | Our staff are always available to answer customers’ queries.becustomerqueryinquiry (also enquiry especially British English) /ɪnˈkwaɪəri $ ɪnˈkwaɪri, ˈɪŋkwəri/ a question you ask in order to get information or find out the details about something: We’ve advertised the house, and we’ve already received lots of enquiries.advertisereceivelotenquiry | The police have been making some inquiries in the area.bemakeinquiryrequest a polite or formal question asking for something that you want or need: The bank said ‘no’ to our request for more money.say | You must make your request in writing.write
requestverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrequestrequestsrequestedrequestingrequestrequest2 verb [transitive]Verb form formalASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to ask for something in a polite or formal way: To request more information, please call our toll free number.numbYou have to request permission if you want to take any photographs.photographrequest thatThe prosecution has requested that all charges against Hodgkins are dropped.haverequestchargebedroprequest somebody to do somethingAll club members are requested to attend the annual meeting.memberberequestmeetrequest something from somebodyThe Police Committee requested a grant from the Government to cover the extra expense.requestTHESAURUSto ask for somethingask for to tell someone you want them to give you something: I’m going to ask for a pay rise.goorder to ask for food or drink in a restaurant: We ordered some more coffee.order | Have you ordered yet?orderdemand to ask for something in a firm way, insisting that someone gives you what you ask for: They’re demanding immediate payment.demand | If the goods are faulty, you can demand a refund.goodberequest formal to ask for something: The pilot requested permission to land.request | I enclose the information you requested.requestbeg/plead to ask for something in an urgent way, because you want it very much and will be very unhappy if you do not get it: He begged me for some money.beg | I’m not going to plead for forgiveness.gonag/pester to keep asking someone for something, in an annoying way: She keeps nagging me for a new phone.keepnag | People were pestering him for his autograph.bepester
noun (plural pairs or pair) [countable]
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: paire, from Latin paria ‘equal things’, from par; → PAR 1joined togetherCONNECTED WITH an object that is made from two similar parts that are joined togetherpair of trousers/scissors/glasses etc
two pairs of jeanspaira pair of black tights2
belonging togetherTWO two things of the same type that are used togetherpair ofa new pair of sandalssandalpair of hands/eyes/legs etcShe felt as if every pair of eyes in the room was on her.feeleyebeearrings, £5 a pairearringa pair of skisskiWe have five pairs of free tickets to give away.pairticket3in pairsTWO in groups of two: We worked in pairs for the role-play exercise.workpairThe leaves of the tree are arranged in pairs.leavebearrangepair4two peopleTWO two people who are standing or doing something together, or who have some type of connection with each other: The pair are looking for sponsorship from local businesses.belookbusinesspair ofa pair of dancersdancer ► Do not use pair to talk about a husband and wife (or two people in a similar relationship). Use couple: They’re a nice couple (NOT pair).5the pair of you/them British English spokenANGRY used when you are angry or annoyed with two people: Oh, get out, the pair of you.6two animals a)a male and a female animal that come together in order to breedpair ofa pair of dovesdovea breeding pairbreed b)old use two horses that work together7I’ve only got one pair of hands spokenBUSY/NOT AVAILABLE used to say that you are busy and cannot do any more than you are already doing8an extra pair of hands someone who helps you do something when you are busy: Having an extra pair of hands during busy periods can take the pressure off.havehandperiod9a safe pair of hands someone you can trust and depend on because they are sensible – used especially in news reports: Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands.colleaguehandTHESAURUSpair two things of the same type that you use together. Also used about two people who do something together or who you often see together: a pair of shoesshoe | a pair of sockssock | Winners will receive a pair of tickets for the show.winnerticket | The pair were arrested six days after the killing.bearrestdaykill | They're a funny pair! | The British pair will be playing in the final on Saturday.playa couple (of something) two things of the same type, or a very small number of things: There were a couple of empty seats at the table.beseat | Do you have any stamps? I just need a couple.stampcouple noun [countable] two people who are married or having a sexual relationship: a married couplemarry | The couple met at university.meettwins noun [plural] two children who were born on the same day to the same mother: The twins look very alike.twin | identical twinstwinduo noun [countable] two people who perform together or who are often seen together: a comedy duoduet noun [countable] a piece of music written for two people to play: They played a duet by Brahms.playtwice two times adverb: The group meets twice a week.meet | She sneezed twice.sneeze
pairverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplespairpairspairedpairingpairpair2 verbVerb form1[I, T usually passive]TWO to put people or things into groups of two, or to form groups of twobe paired with somebodyWe were each paired with a newcomer to help with training.bepairtrain2(also pair up) [intransitive] if animals pair, they come together in order to breedpair off phrasal verb RELATIONSHIPto come together or bring two people together to have a romantic relationship: All the others were pairing off and I was left on my own.bepairbeleavepair somebody off with somebodyMy aunt was forever pairing me off with unsuitable men.bepairmanpair up phrasal verb1FRIEND British English to become friends and start to have a relationship: We learned later that he and Tanya had paired up.learnlatehavepair2TOGETHERto work together to do something or to put two people together to do something: They first paired up in the screen adaptation of ‘Grease’.pairpair somebody ↔ upThey have paired up writers and artists, and commissioned linked works.pairwriterartistcommissionlinkwork3if animals pair up, they come together in order to breed
(1958–) a US singer, guitar player, and songwriter, who is known for dressing and performing in a way that is intended to be sexually exciting and shocking. He was one of the most successful singers of the 1980s, and his records include Purple Rain (1984) and Sign O' the Times (1987).
princenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprinceprincesprinceprince W3 /prɪns/
noun [countable]Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Latin princeps ‘leader’, from primus ( → PRIME1) + capere ‘to take’ 1the son of a king, queen, or prince → princess:
Prince William2a male ruler of a small country or state: Prince Rainier of Monacorainy3BESTMANthe prince of something/a prince among something literary the man who is best at something: the prince of sculptorssculptorTHESAURUSking the male ruler of a country, who comes from a royal family: George III was the king of England at that time.be | King Harald V of Norwayqueen a woman who rules a country because she is from a royal family, or the wife of a king: She became queen when she was only 14 years old.becomebeyear | Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdomunitemonarch a king or queen: The bishops were appointed by the monarch.bishopbeappointmonarchy a country that is ruled by a king or queen, or this type of political system: Britain is a constitutional monarchy.be | Some people want the monarchy to be abolished.abolishprince the son of a king, queen, or prince, or the male ruler of a small country or state: Prince Rainier of Monacorainy | The prince will inherit the throne when his father dies.dieruler someone such as a king, who has official power over a country and its people: the ruler of Babylonia | General Musharraf was the former military ruler of Pakistan.beemperor the ruler of an empire (=group of countries): the Habsburg emperors of the 19th centuryemperor | Emperor Hirohitosovereign formal a king or queen: It was hoped that a meeting of the two sovereigns would ease tensions between the countries.behopemeetsovereignwilltensioncountryregent someone who governs instead of a king or queen, because the king or queen is ill, absent, or still a child: Edward II left his friend Gaveston as regent.leavethe crown formal the position of king or queen: Warwick was a loyal servant of the crown.be
noun
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: sæti 1place to sit [countable]SIT a place where you can sit, especially one in a vehicle or one from which you watch a performance, sports event etc:
I was in the back seat and Jo was driving.bebedrivea 10,000-seat stadiumPeople were shifting in their seats, looking uncomfortable.beshiftseatlook2official position [countable] a position as an elected member of a government, or as a member of a group that makes official decisionsseat in/ona seat in the National AssemblyPromotion would mean a seat on the board of directors.willdirectorParliamentary/Senate etc seatthe Senate seat for Coloradowin/gain/lose a seat (=at an election)He predicts that his party will gain at least 12 seats.predictlittleseathold a seat (=have a seat)The Republicans hold 235 seats and the Democrats have 197.republicanseatdemocratkeep/hold onto a seatMr Adams is expected to keep his seat.beexpectLabour held onto the seat with a 7% majority.holdsafe seat British English: one that a party will not losemarginal seat British English: one that another party might easily win3part of a chair [countable usually singular] the flat part of a chair etc that you sit on: Don’t put your feet on the seat!foota wooden toilet seata broken bicycle seatbreak4baby/child/car seat a special seat that you put in a car for a baby or small child5seat of government/power formalTOWN a city where a country’s government is based6seat of learning formal a university, college etc7clothes [singular] the part of your trousers that you sit onseat ofa rip in the seat of his jeans8take a back seat (to somebody/something)LET/ALLOW to have less influence or importance: Foreign policy will take a back seat to domestic problems for a while.problem9on the edge of your seatEXCITED waiting excitedly to see what happens next: a gripping movie that will keep you on the edge of your seatgrip10do something by the seat of your pantsHELP# to do something by using only your own skill and experience, without any help from anyone or anything else, especially when this is risky or dangerous11in the driving seat British English, in the driver’s seat American EnglishCONTROL controlling what happens in a situation, organization, or relationship: We’re trying to put young people in the driving seat.trydrive12in the hot seat (also on the hot seat American English) informalDIFFICULTRESPONSIBLE in a difficult position where you have to make important decisions, answer questions etc13house [countable] a home of a rich important family in the countrysidefamily/country seat → back-seat driver at back seat(2), → window seatCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1ADJECTIVES/NOUN + seatfree Excuse me, is this seat free?bean empty/vacant seat Patrick spotted an empty seat near the back.spotthe front/back/rear seat (=in a car) Never leave bags on the back seat of a car.bagthe driver's seat He climbed into the driver's seat.climbthe passenger seat The cop in the passenger seat spun around to stare at him.spina window/aisle seat (=one next to the window or the space between seats, for example in a plane) I'd prefer a window seat, please.a front-row seat (=one at the front of a theatre, sports ground etc) We had front-row seats.haveseata ringside seat (=one in the front row at a sports event, especially a boxing match) We managed to get ringside seats, so we had a great view of the fight.manageseathavea good seat (=one from which you can see well) I managed to get a fairly good seat, near the front.manageverbshave a seat We had really good seats, just in front of the stage.haveseathave/take a seat (=sit down) Take a seat, please.book/reserve a seat You can book seats online.seatshow somebody to their seat A flight attendant showed them to their seats.showseatgo back to/return to your seat The audience clapped as he returned to his seat.clapreturnresume your seat formal (=sit down again) We resumed our seats for the second half of the play.resumeseatsave somebody a seat (=tell other people not to sit there) I'll save you a seat next to me.phrasesbums on seats British English informal (=used for saying that something or someone can attract a large audience) He is an actor who will put bums on seats.bebumseatCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave/hold a seat The Liberals now hold 292 seats in Parliament.liberalseatwin a seat The following year he won a seat on the local council.followwingain a seat (also take a seat from somebody) (=win a seat from another party) At the next election the Republicans gained 12 seats in the Senate.republicangainseat | Labour took over fifty seats from the Conservatives.takeseatconservativelose a seat She lost her seat at the last election.losekeep/hold onto a seat (also retain a seat formal) (=not lose it in an election) He is unlikely to retain his seat after next year's election.be | Labour managed to hold the seat, but with a reduced majority.managereducecontest a seat (also run for a seat) (=try to win it) Twenty-four candidates contested the five seats.candidatecontestseat | He ran for the seat as a Republican.runADJECTIVES/NOUN + seata parliamentary seat He and his followers won 10 of the state's 13 parliamentary seats in last month's general election.followerwinseata Senate seata congressional seata Labour/Republican etc seat (=one that a particular party usually wins) Middlesbrough is one of the safest Labour seats in the country.besafeseata safe seat British English (=one that a party is unlikely to lose) Maidstone is considered a safe seat for the Conservatives.beconsiderconservativea marginal seat British English (=one that a party might easily lose) The party also successfully targeted marginal seats in key areas.targetseatarea
seatverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesseatseatsseatedseatingseatseat2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1[not in progressive]SIZE if a place seats a number of people, it has enough seats for that number: The arena seats 60,000.seat2formal seat yourself (in/on/beside etc something)SIT to sit down somewhere: She seated herself at her desk.seat3SITto arrange for someone to sit somewhereseat somebody beside/near etc somebody/somethingthe old custom of seating boys and girls on opposite sides of the classroomseatboygirlside → seated
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin secretus, past participle of secernere ‘to separate’ 1SECRETknown about by only a few people and kept hidden from others → secrecy:
They kept their relationship secret from their parents.keepparentagents on a secret missionagentsecret talks with the terroriststalkterroristsecret compartment/passage etcThe drugs were found in a secret compartment in Campbell’s suitcase.drugbefindsecret ingredient/recipe/formulaThe cookies are made to a secret recipe.cookiebemake2[only before noun]SECRET secret feelings, worries, or actions are ones that you do not want other people to know about: His secret fear was that Jenny would leave him.bewillDid you know you had a secret admirer (=someone who is secretly in love with you)?dohave3secret weapon something that will help you gain a big advantage over your competitors, that they do not know about4SECRETused to describe the behaviour of someone who is keeping their thoughts, intentions, or actions hidden from other people SYN secretivesecret aboutThey’re being very secret about it.beThere was a secret smile on her face.be—secretlysecretly adverb: They were secretly married.bemarryTHESAURUSsecret known about by only a few people, who have agreed not to tell anyone else: a secret meeting placemeet | The details of the proposal must remain secret.detailconfidential used about information, especially in business or government, that is secret and not intended to be shown or told to other people: a highly confidential report | Employees’ personal details are treated as strictly confidential.employeedetailbetreatclassified used about information that the government has ordered to be kept secret from most people: He was accused of passing on classified information to the Russians in the 1950s.beaccusepassclassifysensitive used about information that is kept secret because there would be problems if the wrong people knew it: A teenager managed to hack into sensitive US Air Force files.managefilecovert [only before noun] used about things that are done secretly, especially by a government or official organization: a CIA covert operationundercover [usually before noun] used about things that are done secretly by the police in order to catch criminals or find out information: Detectives arrested the suspect after a five-day undercover operation.detectivearrestunderground an underground organization or newspaper is one that operates or is produced secretly and opposes the government: Her father was a member of the underground resistance movement in France during World War II.beclandestine /klænˈdestən, klænˈdestɪn/ secret and often illegal or immoral: clandestine meetingsmeeting | his involvement in a clandestine operation to sell arms to Iranarm | a clandestine love affairhush-hush informal used about information or activities that are kept officially secret: He was put in charge of some hush-hush military project.be | I’ve no idea what he does – it’s all very hush-hush.doCOLLOCATIONS CHECKconfidential information/document/report/letter/inquiryclassified information/document/materialsensitive information/filescovert operation/support/activities/war/aidundercover agent/operation/investigation/workunderground organization/newspaper/economyclandestine meeting/operation/organization/networkhush-hush research/project/experiment
secretnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessecretsecretssecretsecret2 S3 W3 noun [countable]Word family1SECRETsomething that is kept hidden or that is known about by only a few people → secrecy: I can’t tell you. It’s a secret.It was no secret that the two men hated each other.bemanhateDon’t worry. Your secret is safe with me (=I won’t tell anyone about it).be2in secretPRIVATE/PERSONAL in a private way or place that other people do not know about: The negotiations were conducted in secret.negotiationbeconduct3the secretWAY/METHOD a particular way of achieving a good result, that is the best or only waythe secret to (doing) somethingThe secret to making good pastry is to use very cold water.makebeYour hair always looks so great – what’s your secret?lookWhat do you think is the secret of her success?be4make no secret of somethingKNOW STH to make your opinions about something clear: Louise made no secret of her dislike for John.make5the secrets of life/nature/the universe etcSECRET the things no one yet knows about life, nature etcCOLLOCATIONSverbshave a secret We have no secrets from each other.secretknow a secret (=about someone else) You can tell Tom that I know his secret.keep a secret (=not tell it to anyone) Can you keep a secret?tell somebody a secret Shall I tell you a secret?let somebody in on a secret (=tell them a secret) Frank let me in on the secret.reveal/divulge a secret formal (=tell it to someone) He was accused of revealing state secrets.beaccuserevealsecretgive away a secret (=tell it to someone carelessly or by mistake) I had to be careful not to give away any secrets.havesecretshare a secret (=tell it to someone because you trust them) I trusted Alexander, so I decided to share my secret with him.trustdecidediscover/find out a secret He was afraid that someone would discover his secret.bewillADJECTIVES/NOUN + secreta big secret (=an important secret or one that very few people know) The event was supposed to be a big secret, but everyone knew about it.besupposeknowa little secret (=a personal secret that very few people know) You must promise me that this will be our little secret.a closely guarded/well-kept secret (=a secret that few people are allowed to know) The recipe is a closely guarded secret.beguardan open secret (=something that a lot of people know, but do not talk about because it is supposed to be a secret) It was an open secret that he was having an affair.bebehavea dark/terrible secret (=a secret about something bad) I’m sure every family has a few dark secrets.havesecreta dirty secret (=a shameful secret) The exclusion of black people from the film industry is one of Hollywood’s dirty little secrets.besecreta guilty secret (=a secret that someone feels guilty about) He had finally discovered Jo’s guilty secret.havediscoversb’s innermost secrets (=very private or personal secrets) She wasn’t confident enough to share her innermost secrets with him.secreta family secret Their normally strong relationship is threatened when he has to reveal a family secret.bethreatenhavea state/official secret (=a government secret) He was accused of passing on state secrets to a foreign power.beaccusepasssecreta trade secret (=a company or business secret) They must not betray their employer 's trust, for instance by giving away trade secrets.givesecretmilitary secrets He was sent to prison for five years in 1933 for selling military secrets to Germany.besendyearsellsecretCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say ˈsay a secretˈ or ˈsay your secretsˈ. Say tell somebody a secret or tell somebody your secrets.
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: heorte
1body organ [countable]BODY the organ in your chest which pumps blood through your body: Regular exercise is good for the heart.beCan you hear my heart beating?beatHer cheeks were hot and her heart was pounding.cheekbebepoundMy heart raced. Were we going to land safely?racebegoDaniel had no history of heart problems.haveproblemShe suffers from a rare heart condition.sufferHis breathing and heart rate were now normal.breathebe2emotions/love [countable]EMOTIONAL the part of you that feels strong emotions and feelings: His heart was full of anger and grief.beThe plight of the refugees had tugged at the nation’s heart.refugeehavetugThe doctor had an extremely kind heart.haveShe could hardly speak for the ache in her heart.canIt would break Kate’s heart (=make her extremely sad) to leave the lovely old house.willHe left the country with a heavy heart (=great sadness).leaveEdith loved her boy with all her heart and soul.loveI was still pretty innocent then when it came to affairs of the heart (=matters relating to love and sex).becomeaffaira woman with a heart of gold (=very kind character)Sometimes I think he’s got a heart of stone (=very cruel character).getI’m glad I followed my heart rather than my head for once.followMy father told me never to let my heart rule my head.tellkind-hearted/cold-hearted/hard-hearted etc (=having a kind, unkind, cruel etc character)He thinks of himself as a warm-hearted and caring human being.thinkcarebe3your chest [countable usually singular]BODY the part of your chest near your heart: He put his hand on his heart.4shape [countable] a shape used to represent a heart5from the (bottom of your) heartREAL/NOT FALSE OR ARTIFICIAL with great sincerity and strength of feeling: Leonard spoke from the heart.speakI want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.She sang the songs straight from the heart.singsong6in your heart (of hearts)SURE if you know, feel, or believe something in your heart, you are secretly sure about it although you may not admit it: In her heart she knew she would never go.knowwillDeep in his heart, he wanted Laura back.want7important part of somethingMAIN [singular] the most important or central part of a problem, question etcthe heart of somethingdifficult issues at the heart of science policyissueWe must get to the heart of the problem.8encouragement [uncountable] confidence and courage: This inspiring service gave us new heart.inspiregiveWe mustn’t lose heart when people complain.We’ve got to take a bit of heart from the fact that we won.getbitewin9at heartCHARACTER/PERSONALITY if you are a particular kind of person at heart, that is the kind of person that you really are even though you may appear or behave differently: He may be a working class boy at heart, but his lifestyle has been transformed.workhavebetransformLet’s face it, we’re all romantics at heart.romantic → have sb’s (best) interests at heart at interest1(5), → young at heart at young1(5)10the centre of an area [countable]MIDDLE the middle part of an area furthest from the edgein the heart of somethinga house in the heart of Londonat the heart of somethingan old house at the heart of an ancient forest11close/dear to sb’s heartLIKE SB OR STHLIKE/SIMILAR very important to someone: The President liked to go to Williamsburg, a place close to his heart.likeMoney is dear to Kathleen’s heart.be12the hearts and minds of somebody the thoughts, emotions, and attitudes a group of people have about a particular subject, which is a combination of their strong emotional feelings and their calm and sensible thoughts: The president must try to win the hearts and minds of the voters.heartmindvoter13by heartREMEMBER when you know something by heart, you remember all of it exactly: After a few days of phoning Stephanie, he knew her number by heart.dayphoneknownumbActors have to learn their lines by heart.actorline14SAD/UNHAPPYsb’s heart sinks used to say that someone suddenly lost hope and began to feel unhappy: Her heart sank when she saw the number of books she had to read.sinkseenumbbookhave15with all your heartVERY with all your strength, energy, or emotion: He hates Los Angeles with all his heart.hateWe sang the hymn with all our hearts.singheart16take something to heartUPSET to consider what someone says to you very seriously, often because it upsets you: Anne took his criticisms very much to heart.takecriticismWe took Stephen’s warnings to heart.takewarning17sb’s heart goes out to somebodySYMPATHIZE used to say that someone feels a lot of sympathy towards another person: My heart goes out to the families of the victims.gofamilyvictim18card games a)[countable] a heart shape printed in red on a playing card b)hearts [plural] the suit (=set) of playing cards that have these shapes on them: the ace of heartsheart c)[countable] one of the cards in this set: Have you got any hearts?getheart19do something to your heart’s contentOFTEN to do something as much as you want: She had lazed around the pool to her heart’s content.havelazeThe dog can run to its heart’s content out there.20sb’s heart misses/skips a beat used to say that someone suddenly feels a moment of fear or excitement: His heart missed a beat as he saw the body of a small child at the water’s edge.misssee21set your heart on something to want something very much: His father bought him the bike he had set his heart on.buyhaveShe had set her heart on becoming a hairdresser.havebecome22a man/woman etc after my own heartLIKE SB OR STH someone who likes the same things or behaves in the same way that you do: Geoff really is a man after my own heart.be23cry/sing etc your heart out if you cry, sing etc your heart out, you do it with all your energy or emotion: He found me crying my heart out and was so kind.findcrybe → eat your heart out at eat(4), → pour your heart out at pour24your heart’s desire/everything your heart could desireALL/EVERYTHING the one thing you want most, or everything that you could possibly want: To have a baby was her heart’s desire.be25not have the heart to do somethingCAN'T to be unable to do something because it will make someone unhappy: I didn’t have the heart to tell her that her beautiful vase was broken.bebreak26sb’s heart isn’t in itWANT used to say that someone does not really want to do something: She’s getting bored with the job and her heart’s not in it.getbore27do something out of the goodness of your heart to do something out of kindness, not because you have been asked or expect a reward: All these people were helping us out of the goodness of their hearts.behelpheart28take somebody to your heart if people take someone to their hearts, they like them very much: The fans have taken Hudson to their hearts.fantakeheart29vegetable [countable] the firm middle part of some vegetables: artichoke heartsheart30give/lose your heart to somebody to start to love someone very much31my heart was in my mouthFRIGHTENED used to say that you suddenly felt very afraid32sb’s heart is in the right place informalKIND used to say that someone is really a kind person and has the right feelings about something important: I don’t think his idea will work, though his heart’s in the right place.33it does your heart good to see/hear somethingHAPPY used to say that something makes you feel happy34sb’s heart leaps literarySAD/UNHAPPY used to say that someone suddenly feels happy and full of hope: ‘I couldn’t live without you,’ he said and Jane’s heart leapt.sayleap35be in good heart formalHAPPY to feel happy and confident: The team are in good heart and ready for the season’s matches.bematch36have a heart!NICE used to tell someone not to be too strict or unkind – used humorously37know the way to sb’s heartHAPPY to know the way to please someone – used humorously38my heart bleeds (for somebody)SYMPATHIZE# used to say that you do not really feel any sympathy towards someone → a broken heart at broken2(9), → cross my heart at cross1(11), → have a change of heart at change2(1), → sick at heart at sick1(9), → strike at the heart of something at strike1(7), → wear your heart on your sleeve at wear1(8), → win sb’s heart at win1(3)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbssb’s heart beats Her heart was beating fast.bebeatsb’s heart pounds/thuds/thumps (=it beats very strongly) He reached the top, his heart pounding.reachpoundsb’s heart races (=it beats very fast) Was there someone in the alley? Joe’s heart began to race.bebeginheart + NOUNheart trouble/problems You should not take this medication if you have heart problems.shallproblemheart disease Smoking increases the risk of heart disease.smokeincreasea heart condition (=something wrong with your heart) The baby was born with a heart condition.besb’s heart rate (=the number of times someone’s heart beats per minute) Your heart rate increases as you exercise.increaseadjectiveshealthy Eating oily fish can help maintain a healthy heart.eata bad/weak heart (=an unhealthy heart) The effort proved too much for her weak heart.proveCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesa good/kind heart (=a kind character) My father had a good heart.havea big heart (=a kind and generous character) She may be only small, but she has a big heart.havea soft heart (=a kind and sympathetic character) Julia’s soft heart had been touched by Minnie’s grief.havebetoucha cold/hard heart (=used about someone who does not feel sympathy for other people) It takes a hard heart not to be moved by these images of suffering.takemoveimagesuffera heavy heart (=feeling very sad) She made her way to the hospital with a heavy heart.makea light heart (=feeling happy) Paul left for home with a light heart.leavea broken heart (=feeling very sad because of a problem in love) I wonder how many broken hearts Carlo was responsible for.breakheartbeverbsbreak sb’s heart (=make someone feel very sad) It broke my heart to see him so sick.breakfollow your heart (= do what your emotions want you to do) Go for it. Follow your heart. Who cares what everyone else thinks?carethinksb’s heart aches (=to feel very sad) It made his heart ache to look at hermakephrasesheart and soul (=all your feelings) She loved Peter with all her heart and soul.loveaffairs of the heart (=matters relating to love) I had little experience of affairs of the heart.haveaffairsb’s heart rules their head (=someone makes decisions based on emotions rather than careful thought) He has never been one to let his heart rule his head.havebea heart of gold (=a very kind character) She was rather brisk in manner but with a heart of gold.bea heart of stone (=a very cruel character) You’d have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for them.be in good heart (=to be happy and confident) The team was in good heart, despite their loss this weekend.bebe sick at heart (=to feel very unhappy) He was too sick at heart to know what to say.be
verb [intransitive and transitive]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: explanare ‘to make level, unfold’, from planus ‘level, flat’ Verb form1EXPLAINto tell someone about something in a way that is clear or easy to understand:
He carefully explained the procedure.explainexplain (to somebody) why/how/what etcThe librarian will explain how to use the catalogue system.Let me explain what I mean.explain thatHe explained that it had been a difficult film to make.explainhavebeexplain something to somebodyI explained the situation to my bank manager.explain ► You explain something to someone: He explained the system to me (NOT explained me the system).2REASONto give a reason for something or to be a reason for something: Wait! I can explain everything.How can you explain that sort of behaviour?explain thatShe explained that she had been ill.explainhavebeexplain why/how/what etcI’ll explain why I don’t believe your story.That still doesn’t explain how he was able to hide the body.be3explain yourself a)REASONto tell someone who is angry or upset with you the reasons why you did something: I’m going to give you five seconds to explain yourself.gosecond b)EXPLAINto say clearly what you mean: Sorry, I’m not explaining myself very well.explainTHESAURUSexplain to give someone the information they need to understand something: She explained how to use the software.explain | Doctors usually explain the risks of the treatment to patients.doctorriskpatienttell to explain something. People often use tell instead of explain in everyday conversation: He told me how to get to his house.tell | The book tells you how to improve your health through diet.tellshow to explain to someone how to do something by doing it while they watch you: Ellen showed me how to work the coffee maker.showdemonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ to explain to someone how to do something by doing it while they watch you, especially when it is part of your job: The cabin crew demonstrated the safety procedures to the passengers.demonstrateprocedurepassenger | A qualified instructor will demonstrate how to use the equipment properly.qualifygo through something to explain something carefully, especially one step at a time: Mrs. Riddell went through the homework assignment.goset out something to explain a series of ideas, reasons or opinions in an organized way in writing or in a speech: In his speech, he intended to set out the party’s policies on education.intendpolicyexplain something ↔ away phrasal verb REASONto make something seem less important or bad by giving reasons for it: The difference in the treatment they receive is hard to explain away.be
adverbWord family1LITTLE/NOT VERYa little: a slightly different colora slightly more powerful engineslightly higher/lower/better/larger etcJanuary’s sales were slightly better than average.salebewellHe was someone I already knew slightly.beknowa slightly tart flavorHe leaned forward ever so slightly.lean2slightly-builtTHIN PERSON having a thin and delicate body
the past tense of lie1
layverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleslaylayslaidlayinglaylay2 S1 W2 verb (past tense and past participle laid /leɪd/)
Verb form1put somebody/something down [transitive always + adverb/preposition]PUT to put someone or something down carefully into a flat position SYN place: He laid his hand on my shoulder.layThey laid a wreath at the place where so many people died.laydieLay the material flat on the table.lie2lay bricks/carpet/concrete/cables etcPUT to put or fasten bricks, a carpet etc in the correct place, especially on the ground or floor: The carpet was laid last week.belayThe project involved laying an oil pipeline across the desert.involvelay3bird/insect etc [intransitive and transitive] if a bird, insect etc lays eggs, it produces them from its body: The flies lay their eggs on decaying meat.flylieeggdecayA cuckoo is able to lay in a range of different nests.belienest4table [transitive] British English to put the cloth, plates, knives, forks etc on a table, ready for a meal SYN set: John was laying the table.belayAs she spoke, she was laying him a place at the table.speakbelay5lay the foundations/groundwork/base to provide the conditions that will make it possible for something to happen or be successfullay the foundations/groundwork/base forMandela helped lay the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.helpliefoundationIt was an invention which laid the foundations of modern radio technology.belayfoundation6give information [transitive] formalACCUSE to make a statement, give information etc in an official or public way SYN put: Several proposals have been laid before the committee.proposalbelay7lay emphasis/stress on somethingEMPHASIZE formal to emphasize something because you believe it is very important: a political philosophy that lays great stress on individual responsibilitylay8lay a hand/finger on somebody [usually in negatives] to touch someone with the intention of hurting them: I swear I didn’t lay a finger on him.lieIf you lay one hand on me, I’ll scream.lie9lay something bare/open a)to show what something is really like, or stop hiding facts, feelings etc: Every aspect of their private life has been laid bare.havebelay b)to remove the thing that is covering or hiding something else: When the tide goes out, vast stretches of sand are laid bare.gostretchbelay10lay somebody/something open to somethingRISK to do something that makes it possible for other people to blame you, criticize you etclay yourself open to somethingBy doing that, he laid himself open to ridicule.dolayNot to have taken action would have laid the department open to charges of negligence.takewilllaycharge11DESTROYlay waste something (also lay waste to something) formal to destroy or damage something, especially in a war: The island was laid waste and abandoned.belayabandonan attack which laid waste to hundreds of villageslayhundredvillage12lay plans/a trap etcPLAN to carefully prepare all the details of something: We are laying plans now in order to be successful in the future.belayplanthe best-laid plans (=plans that have been made carefully)Bad weather can upset even the best-laid travel plans.welllayplan13lay claim to (doing) something to say that something belongs to you or say that you deserve something: The town can lay claim to having the oldest theatre in Britain.liehaveoldNo one has laid claim to the property.havelay14lay siege to somebody/something a)if a group of people lay siege to a place, they try to get control by surrounding it: The armies laid siege to Vienna in 1529.armylay b)to do everything you can to get someone to talk to you or notice you: A group of young men were always at the stage door, trying to lay siege to the girls.manbetryliegirl15have sex get laid informalSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to have sex with someone: All he wants to do is go out and get laid.wantbelay16lie [intransitive] spoken to be in a position in which you are flat – some people consider this use to be incorrect SYN lie17risk money [transitive] especially British EnglishRISK to risk an amount of money on the result of a race, sports game etc SYN betlay something on somethingShe laid £50 on the favourite, Golden Boy.laylay money (that)I’d lay money that he will go on to play for England.lie18lay somebody/something on the line a)INSISTto state something, especially a threat, demand, or criticism, in a very clear way: Lay it on the line and tell them what’s really been happening.liebehappen b)(also put somebody/something on the line)RISK to risk losing your life, your job etc, especially in order to help someone: I’ve laid myself on the line for him once already.lay19lay something at the door of somebody/something (also lay something at sb’s door) to blame something or someone for something: The continued divisions within the party cannot be laid entirely at his door.continuedivisionlayMany illnesses are being laid at the door of stress.illnessbebelay20lay somebody low a)[usually passive]ILL if an illness lays someone low, they are unable to do their normal activities for a period of timelay somebody low withShe’s been laid low with flu for a week.belay b)literaryHIT to make someone fall down, or injure them seriously21lay somebody to rest formal to bury someone after they have died: She was laid to rest beside her husband.belay → lay/put something to rest at rest1(10)22lay the ghost (of something)GET RID OF to finally stop being worried or upset by something from the past → lay your hands on something at hand1(18), → put/lay your cards on the table at card1(13)Grammarlay, lieThe verb lay always has an object, except in sense 3. Its basic meaning is 'put something down on something': She lays a silk cloth over the table.layThe verb lie does not have an object. Its basic meaning is 'be or get into a horizontal position somewhere': She was lying (NOT laying) on her back.belielayLie down here for a while.Lay is also the past tense of lie: I lay on the bed and tried to relax.lietryThe past tense of lay is laid: She laid the baby on the bed.laylay about somebody phrasal verb literary old-fashioned ATTACKto attack someone violently SYN set aboutlay about somebody withHe laid about his attackers with a stick.layattackerlay something ↔ aside phrasal verb1to stop using something and put it down, especially so you can do something else SYN put aside: Richard had laid aside his book to watch what was happening.havelaybehappen2STOP DOING STHto stop behaving in a particular way, or stop having particular feelings, especially so you can achieve something SYN put aside: On the day of the wedding, all arguments between the families were laid aside.argumentfamilybelayAs a doctor, you often need to lay aside your personal feelings.liefeeling3KEEP/STORE (also lay something ↔ by) to keep something, especially money, so you can use it in the future SYN put by: She’d laid aside a few pounds each week from her wages.laypoundwagelay something ↔ down phrasal verb1officially stateSAY/STATE to officially state something or say that rules, principles etc must be obeyed: He had already clearly laid down his view in his opening speech.havelayopenlay down thatThe contract laid down that the work must be completed before 2025.laycomplete2weaponsHORIZONTAL if people lay down their weapons, they stop fighting: The terrorists were urged to lay down their arms.terroristbeurgeliearm3lay down the lawTELL/ORDER SB TO DO STH to tell other people what to do, how they should think etc, in a very strong or impolite way: I could hear him laying down the law.canlay4lay down your life formalDIE to die in order to help other peoplelay down your life forHe was even prepared to lay down his life for his friends.beprepareliefriend5keepKEEP/STORE to store something, especially wine, to use in the future6record to record your music, for example in a recording studio: They are just about to start laying down tracks for their second album.belaytracklay something ↔ in phrasal verb especially British English formal KEEP/STOREto get and store a supply of something to use in the future: He likes to lay in a few special drinks for the festive season.likeliedrinklay into somebody/something phrasal verb ATTACKCRITICIZEto attack or criticize someone or something: Outside the club, two men were laying into each other.manbelaylay off phrasal verb1lay somebody ↔ offLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to stop employing someone because there is no work for them to do → layoff: The company laid off 250 workers in December.layworkerMillions of people have been laid off in the steel industry.belay2lay off (something) informalSTOP HAPPENING to stop using or doing something: I think you’d better lay off alcohol for a while.welllielay off doing somethingI had to lay off running for several months.havelierunmonth3lay off (somebody) informal to stop annoying someone or hurting them: Just lay off, will you!lieI wish he’d lay off me!lie4lay something ↔ off to pass the ball to someone in your team in a game such as football – used in sports reportslay something off to somebodyMurphy has the ball and then lays it off to Owen.havelaylay something on phrasal verb1lay something ↔ on especially British EnglishPROVIDE to provide something such as food, entertainment, or transport for a group of people: They laid on a buffet for his farewell party.layA bus has been laid on to take you home.havebelay2lay something on somebodyGIVE to ask someone to do something, especially something that is difficult or something they will not want to do: Sorry to lay this on you, but we need someone to give a talk at the conference next week.lie3lay it on (thick) informal a)PRAISEto praise someone or something too much, especially in order to get what you want b)EXAGGERATEto talk about something in a way that makes it seem more important, serious etc than it really is SYN exaggeratelay somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1spreadSPREAD to spread something out: Lay out the map on the table and let’s have a look.lie2arrangeARRANGE A GROUP OF THINGS OR PEOPLE to arrange or plan a building, town, garden etc SYN set out: The garden is laid out in a formal pattern.belay3explain to describe or explain something clearly SYN set out: The financial considerations are laid out in a booklet called ‘How to Borrow Money’.considerationbelaycall4spend informalSPEND MONEY to spend money, especially a lot of money → outlaylay out something on somethingWhat’s the point in laying out money on something you’ll only wear once?lay5hit informalHIT to hit someone so hard that they fall down and become unconscious: One of the guards had been laid out and the other was missing.guardhavebelaybemiss6body to prepare a dead body so that it can be buriedlay over phrasal verb American English STAY WITH SB, IN A HOTEL ETCto stay somewhere for a short time before continuing your trip → layoverlay up phrasal verb1be laid up (with something)ILL to have to stay in bed because you are ill or injured: I was laid up for a week with flu.belay2to stop using a boat or vehicle, especially while it is being repairedlay something ↔ upMost of the yachts were laid up for the winter.yachtbelay3lay something ↔ up old-fashionedKEEP/STORE to collect and store something to use in the future: We started laying up firewood for the winter.startlay
layadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleslaylaylay3 adjective [only before noun]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: lai, from Late Latin laicus, from Greek laikos ‘of the people’, from laos ‘people’ a)NOT KNOWnot trained or not knowing much about a particular profession or subject → layman:
lay witnessesliewitness b)RELIGIONnot in an official position in the church: a lay preacherlie
laynounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleslaylayslaylay4 noun [countable]Sense 1-3:Date: 1800-1900
Origin: LAY1Sense 4:
Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: lai 1the lay of the land a)HAPPENthe situation that exists at a particular time:
Get the lay of the land before you make any decisions.liedecision b)APPEARANCEthe appearance of an area of land, for example the way it slopes2the lay of something the appearance of something and where each part of it is: Mr. Lowe will give you the lay of the camp and tell you what we’re going to be doing.liegodo3be a good/quick/easy etc lay informalSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to be a good, quick etc person to have sex with4literary a poem or song
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of praevenire ‘to come before’ Verb form PREVENTto stop something from happening, or stop someone from doing something:
The rules are intended to prevent accidents.rulebeintendaccidentprevent somebody/something (from) doing somethingHis back injury may prevent him from playing in tomorrow’s game.playWe were prevented from entering the site.beprevententerWrap small ornaments in paper to prevent them being damaged.ornamentbedamage—preventablepreventable adjective: preventable diseasesdiseaseEvery one of these deaths is preventable.deathbeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say stop somebody/something (from) doing something rather than prevent somebody/something (from) doing something:This barrier is to stop people from coming in without a ticket.become
noun [uncountable and countable]1AMOUNTa quantity of something such as time, money, or a substanceamount ofThey spend equal amounts of time in California and New York.amounta considerable/large/enormous etc amounta considerable amount of moneya small/tiny etc amounta tiny amount of dirtPlease pay the full amount (=of money) by the end of the month.2used to talk about how much there is of a feeling or qualitya large/considerable etc amount of somethingHer case has attracted an enormous amount of public sympathy.haveattracta certain/fair amount of somethingDina encountered a fair amount of envy among her colleagues.encountercolleague3no amount of something can/will etc do somethingEFFECT/INFLUENCE used to say that something has no effect: No amount of persuasion could make her change her mind.can4any amount of something used to say that there is plenty of something, and no more is needed: The school has any amount of resources and equipment.haveresourceTHESAURUSamount how much of something there is: Try to reduce the amount of fat in your diet. | a tiny amount of poisonquantity a particular amount of food, liquid, or another substance that can be measured – used especially in written descriptions and instructions: Make sure that you add the right quantity of milk. | They buy the wood in large quantities.quantityvolume the amount of something such as business activity or traffic, especially when this is large or increasing: The volume of traffic on our roads has risen sharply.roadhaverise | the huge volume of trade with Chinalevel the exact amount of something at one time, which can go up or down at other times: They measured the level of alcohol in his blood.measure | There is a high level of unemployment.beproportion the amount of something, compared with the whole amount that exists: the proportion of road accidents caused by drunk driversaccidentcausedrinkdriver | A high proportion of the students were from poor families.studentbefamilyquota a maximum amount of something that can be produced, sold, brought into a country etc: import quotas on Japanese carsquotacaryield /jiːld/ the amount of something that is produced, especially crops: this year’s cotton yield
amountverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesamountamountsamountedamountingamountamount2 verbDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: amonter, from amont ‘upward’, from mont ‘mountain’ Verb formamount to something phrasal verb1TOTALif figures, sums etc amount to a particular total, they equal that total when they are added together:
Time lost through illness amounted to 1,357 working days.loseamountworkday2BEif an attitude, remark, situation etc amounts to something, it has the same effect: The court’s decision amounts to a not guilty verdict.amountUltimately, their ideas amount to the same thing.idea3not amount to much/anything/a great deal etcUNIMPORTANT to not be important, valuable, or successful: Her academic achievements don’t amount to much.achievementJim’s never going to amount to much.go
noun (plural safeties)
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: sauveté, from sauf; → SAFE1 1not in danger [uncountable]SAFE when someone or something is safe from danger or harmsafety of
measures to improve the health and safety of employeesmeasureemployeein safetyWe were able to watch the lions in complete safety.belionfor safetyFor safety, always climb with a partner.You shouldn’t travel alone, for safety’s sake.For your own safety, please do not smoke inside the plane.2harmful/not harmful [uncountable]SAFE how safe something is to use, do etcsafety ofCampaigners have challenged the safety of genetically modified foods.challengemodifyfoodsafety standards/regulations/precautions etc (=things that are done in order to make sure that something is safe)The device meets safety standards.meetstandardLower speed limits are part of a new road safety campaign.lowlimitbe3sb’s safetySAFE how safe someone is in a particular situation: The boy had been missing for five days and there were fears for his safety.havebemissdaybefear4safe place [uncountable]SAFE a place where you are safe from dangersafety of30,000 people fled to the safety of the capital.fleeget/lead/drag etc somebody to safetyFirefighters led the children to safety.firefighterleadchildThey reached safety seconds before the bomb went off.reachsecondgo5there is safety in numbersSAFE used to say that it is safer to be in a group than alone6sport [countable] a way of getting two points in American football by making the other team put the ball down in its own goal7gun [countable] American English a lock on a gun that stops anyone from shooting it by accident SYN safety catch British English8safety harness/helmet/glasses etc equipment etc that keeps you safe when you are doing something dangerousCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1, 2 & 3ADJECTIVES/NOUN + safety public safety The police must put public safety first.personal safety She didn’t seem to care about her own personal safety.road safety (=for people driving and walking on roads) Extra lighting would improve road safety in this area.lightwillfood safety (=how safe food is to eat) New food safety laws say that sandwiches for sale in shops must be kept refrigerated.lawsandwichshopkeeprefrigeratesafety + NOUNsafety standards (=official rules designed to make something safe) He claims safety standards on ferries are still not high enough.claimstandardferrybesafety regulations (=rules designed to make something safe) She was sold an electric fire that broke all the safety regulations.besellbreakregulationsafety equipment Your employer should provide the necessary safety equipment.shalla safety measure (=something that is done to make something safe) New safety measures have been introduced after two horses died in last year’s race.measurebeintroducehorsediea safety hazard (=something which may be dangerous) The firing range is poorly designed and poses a significant safety hazard.firebedesignposea safety record (=figures showing how safe or unsafe something has been in the past) The aircraft has a good safety record.havehealth and safety (=things that are done to prevent people becoming ill or having accidents during an activity) The Agency’s function is to promote health and safety at work.beverbsimprove safety New plans have been announced to improve safety on the railways.planbeannouncerailwayensure/guarantee sb’s safety There were few laws or regulations to ensure the safety of workers.belawregulationworkerfear for sb’s safety (=be afraid that they will not be safe) They fear for the safety of relatives they have left behind.relativeleavephrasesfor your own safety He had been kept in custody for his own safety.havebekeepfor safety reasons (also for safety’s sake) (=in order to make something safe) For safety reasons visitors won’t be able to go down the tunnels.reasonvisitorwintunnelas a safety precaution (=in order to prevent accidents from happening, when this is possible but not very likely) A fence was put around the lake as a safety precaution.be
verb (past tense and past participle married, present participle marrying, third person singular marries)Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: French
Origin: marier, from Latin maritare, from maritus ‘husband’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]MARRY if you marry someone, you become their husband or wife → married:
He married Bea in 1925.marryI’m going to ask her to marry me on St Valentine’s Day.goShe married young (=at a young age).marryPeople in higher social classes are more likely to marry late (=when they are older than is usual).highclassbeSophia had, in a sense, married beneath her (=married someone of a lower social class than her).havemarryRegisterIn everyday English, rather than saying that two people marry, people usually say that they get married.My parents got married in 1986.parentgetmarry2[transitive]MARRY to perform the ceremony at which two people get married: The priest who married us was really nice.marrybe3[transitive]MARRY to find a husband or wife for one of your childrenmarry somebody to somebodyShe was determined to marry all of her daughters to rich men.bedeterminedaughterman4[transitive] (also marry up) formalMIX to combine two different ideas, designs, tastes etc togethermarry something with/to somethingThe building’s design marries a traditional style with modern materials.buildmarrymaterialmarry something and somethingHe writes fiction that marries up realism and the supernatural.writemarry5not the marrying kindMARRY not the type of person who wants to get married: I’m just not the marrying kind.marrymarry into something phrasal verb MARRYto join a family or social group by marrying someone who belongs to it: She married into a very wealthy family.marrymarry somebody ↔ off phrasal verb MARRYto find a husband or wife for someone – used in order to show disapprovalmarry somebody ↔ off toThey married her off to the first young man who came along.marrycome
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: roller, from Vulgar Latin rotulare, from Latin rotula; → ROLL2 Verb form1round object [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive]TURN if something rolls, especially something round, or if you roll it, it moves along a surface by turning over and overroll down/into/through etc
The ball rolled into the street.rollOne of the eggs rolled off the counter.eggrollroll something along/in/onto etc somethingRoll the chicken breasts in flour.breast2person/animal [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] (also roll over)TURN to turn your body over one or more times while lying down, or to turn someone else’s body overroll down/onto/off etcThe children rolled down the hill, laughing.childrolllaughRalph rolled onto his stomach.rollroll somebody onto/off somethingI tried to roll him onto his side.try3shape of tube/ball [transitive] (also roll up)TURN to make something into the shape of a tube or ballroll something into a ball/tubeRoll the dough into small balls.ballWould you like the paper rolled or folded?willrollfold4make something flat [transitive]FLAT to make something flat by rolling something heavy over it → rolling pin: Pizza dough should be rolled thinly.shallroll5clothes [transitive] (also roll up) to fold the sleeves or legs of something that you are wearing upwards, so that they are shorter: His sleeves were rolled above his elbows.sleeveberollelbow6something with wheels [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]MOVE/CHANGE POSITIONPUSH to move on wheels, or make something that has wheels moveroll into/forwards/past etcHer car was slowly rolling away from the curb.berollroll something to/around etc somethingThe waitress rolled the dessert trolley over to our table.roll7drop of liquid [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]LIQUIDMOVE/CHANGE POSITION to move over a surface smoothly without stoppingroll down/onto etcTears rolled down her cheeks.tearrollcheek8waves/clouds [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move continuously in a particular directionroll into/towards etcMist rolled in from the sea.rollWe watched the waves rolling onto the beach.watchwaveroll9game [intransitive and transitive] if you roll dice, you throw them as part of a game10sound [intransitive]SOUND if drums or thunder roll, they make a long low series of sounds: Thunder rolled in the distance.roll11machine/camera [intransitive]ON/SWITCHED ON if a machine such as a film camera or a printing press rolls, it operates: There was silence as the cameras started to roll.becamerastart12ship/plane [intransitive] if a ship or plane rolls, it leans one way and then another with the movement of the water or air13cigarette [transitive] to make your own cigarette, using tobacco or marijuana and special paper → roll-up: Ben rolled a joint (=a cigarette containing marijuana) and lit it.rolllightIt’s cheaper to roll your own (=make your own cigarettes).cheap14shoulders [transitive] to move your shoulders forward, up, and back down: He rolled his shoulders back.rollshoulder15eyes [transitive] to move your eyes around and up, especially in order to show that you are annoyed or think something is silly: Lucy rolled her eyes as Tom sat down beside her.rolleyesit16attack [transitive] American English informal to rob someone, especially when they are drunk and asleep: Kids on the streets rolled drunks for small change.kidstreetrolldrunk17(all) rolled into oneTOGETHER if someone or something is several different things rolled into one, they include or do the work of all those things: Mum was cook, chauffeur, nurse, and entertainer all rolled into one.beroll18get (something) rollingSTART TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETC to start happening or make something start happening in a smooth and successful way: The business didn’t really get rolling until 1975.rollHave a good breakfast to get your day rolling.roll19be rolling in money/dough/cash/it to have or earn a lot of money: ‘He’s rolling in it,’ said the girl, pointing at Lewis.rollsaypoint20be rolling in the aislesLAUGH if people in a theatre, cinema etc are rolling in the aisles, they are laughing a lot21be ready to roll spokenREADY to be ready to start doing something: The car was packed and we were ready to roll.bepackbe22let’s roll spoken used to suggest to a group of people that you all begin doing something or go somewhere23roll with the punches to deal with problems or difficulties by doing whatever you need to do, rather than by trying only one method: Strong industries were able to roll with the punches during the recession.industrybepunch24roll on something British English spokenWAIT used to say that you wish a time or event would come quickly: Roll on the weekend!25roll your r’sSAY to pronounce the sound /r/ using your tongue in a way that makes the sound very long26a rolling stone gathers no mossCHANGE FROM ONE THING TO ANOTHER used to say that someone who often changes jobs, moves to different places etc is not able to have any permanent relationships or duties → set/start/keep the ball rolling at ball1(5), → heads will roll at head1(36), → let the good times roll at let1(20)THESAURUSpush to make something or someone move by pressing them with your hands, arms etc: Push the door, don’t pull it. | She pushed him away and walked out.pushwalkshove to push someone or something in a rough or careless way: People were shoving to get to the front of the queue.beshove | Tom shoved his suitcase under the bed.shovestuff informal to push something quickly and carelessly into a small space: She stuffed a few clothes into a bag and left.stuffclotheleavepoke to push someone or something with your finger or something sharp: I poked the snake with a stick but it was dead.pokebenudge to push someone beside you gently with your elbow to get their attention: Toby nudged me and pointed out of the window.nudgepointroll to push something round or something on wheels so that it moves forward: They rolled the logs down the hill.rolllog | The car still didn’t start so we tried to roll it off the road.trywheel to push something with wheels, for example a bicycle or a trolley, so that it moves forward, while guiding it with your hands: Rob wheeled his bike round the back of the house.wheelroll around (also roll roundroll round British English) phrasal verb AGAINif a time, event etc that happens regularly rolls around, it arrives or takes place again: By the time Wednesday rolled around, I still hadn’t finished.rollfinishroll something ↔ back phrasal verb1REDUCEto reduce the influence or power of a law, system, government etc: a threat to roll back the legislation of the past 12 yearsyear2especially American EnglishREDUCE to reduce a price, cost etc: the administration’s promise to roll back taxestax → rollback3WARto force your opponents in a war to move back from their position4roll back the years British English to make someone remember something from the past: Looking at those old photos really rolled back the years.lookphotorollyearroll something ↔ down phrasal verb1roll a window downOPEN to open a car window2to unfold the ends of your sleeves or trouser legs so that they are their usual length: He rolled down his sleeves and buttoned the cuffs.rollsleevebuttoncuffroll in phrasal verb1ARRIVEto happen or arrive in large numbers or quantities: As the result of our appeal, the money came rolling in.comeroll2ARRIVEto arrive, especially later than usual or expected: Chris finally rolled in at about 4:00 am.rollbe3if mist, clouds etc roll in, they begin to cover an area of the sky or land: Fog rolled in from the sea.rollroll out phrasal verb1FLATroll something ↔ out to make food that you are preparing flat and thin by pushing a rolling pin over it: Roll out the dough on a floured surface.flour2roll something ↔ out to make a new product available for people to buy or use SYN launch: The company expects to roll out the new software in September.expect → roll-out3to leave a place, especially later than expectedroll out ofWe used to hear people rolling out of the pubs at closing time.userollpubcloseHe finally rolled out of bed at noon.roll4OPENroll something ↔ out to put something flat on the ground or a surface, when it was previously rolled into a tube shape: We rolled out our sleeping bags under the stars.rollsleepbagstar5roll out the red carpetVISIT to make special preparations for an important visitorroll (somebody) over phrasal verb TURNto turn your body over once so that you are lying in a different position, or to turn someone’s body over: Ben rolled over and kissed her.rollkissroll (somebody) over ontoThe guards rolled him over onto his front.guardrollroll up phrasal verb1to make something into the shape of a tube or ball, or to become this shaperoll something ↔ upPainters arrived and rolled up the carpet.painterarriverollroll up intoMany animals roll up into a ball for warmth.animal2roll your sleeves/trousers etc up to turn the ends of your sleeves or trouser legs over several times so that they are shorter3roll your sleeves upSTART DOING STH to start doing a job even though it is difficult or you do not want to do it: It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get some work done on the basics.sleevedo4roll a window upSHUT/CLOSE to close the window of a car5ARRIVEto arrive somewhere, especially late or when you were not expected: Max rolled up just after 9 o'clock.roll6roll up! British English spokenSHOUT used to call people to come and watch or buy things at a circus or fair
rollnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrollrollsrollroll2 noun [countable]
Word familySense 1-3, 6:Date: 1100-1200
Language: Old French
Origin: rolle ‘rolled-up document’, from Latin rotula, from rota; → ROTATESense 4-5, 7-10:
Date: 1600-1700
Origin: → ROLL1 1paper/film/money etc a piece of paper, camera film, money etc that has been rolled into the shape of a tuberoll of
I used up three rolls of film on holiday.userollThere’s a new roll of silver foil in there.wallpaper costing £3 a rollcost → kitchen roll, toilet roll2bread a small round loaf of bread for one person → bun: hot soup served with crusty rollsserverollbread rolls with butterrollham/cheese etc roll British English (=one that is filled with ham, cheese etc)3list of namesLIST an official list of names SYN registeron the roll British English: a school with 300 pupils on the rollpupilcall/take the roll (=say the list of names to check who is there)The teacher called the roll.callThree senators missed the roll call.senatormissthe electoral roll British English the (voter) rolls American English (=a list of the people who are allowed to vote)welfare rolls American English (=a list of people without jobs who claim money from the state)Thompson said he had cut welfare rolls by 39%.sayhaveroll → roll of honour, honor roll4be on a roll informalSUCCESSFUL to be having a lot of success with what you are trying to do: Midvale High was on a roll, having won their last six basketball games.behavewingame5game the action of throwing dice as part of a game: If you get a 7 or 11 on your first roll, you win.6skin/fatFAT a thick layer of skin or fat, usually just below your waistroll ofthe rolls of fat on her stomachroll7physical movement a)TURN British English a movement in which you roll forward or back in a controlled way with your body curled so that your head is near your feet, often done as part of a sport SYN somersault: a forward rollgymnasts doing rolls and handspringsgymnastdorollhandspring b)TURN especially British English the action of turning your body over one or more times while lying down: a young horse having a roll in the fieldhave8drums/guns/thunderSOUND a long low fairly loud sound made by drums etc: There was a roll of thunder, and the rain started pelting down.bestartpelta drum roll9ship/plane the movement of a ship or plane when it leans from side to side with the movement of the water or air10a roll in the hay old-fashioned informalSEX/HAVE SEX WITH when you have sex with someone – used humorously → rock 'n' roll, sausage roll, spring roll, Swiss rollTHESAURUSrecord information about something that is written down: your medical recordsrecord | the public records officerecord | I have to keep a record of all my spending when I’m travelling on business.spendtravelfile a set of written records, or information stored on a computer under a particular name: He began reading the file on the case.beginread | I think I may have accidentally deleted the file.deleteaccounts (also books informal) an exact record of the money that a company has received and spent: Companies are required by law to publish their annual accounts.companyberequireaccount | Someone had been falsifying the accounts.havebefalsifyaccount | The company’s books all seemed to be in order.bookseemledger one of the official books in which a company’s financial records are kept, which show how much it has received and spent: The costs have been moved from one column of the ledger to another.costbemoveminutes an official written record of what is said and decided at a meeting: Both points are mentioned in the minutes of the last meeting on August 3rd.pointbementionminutemeetdiary a book in which you regularly write down the things that have happened to you: In his diary he wrote, ‘It s lovely having him here, we’ve had so many cosy talks.’writehavehavetalk | I’ll just check in my diary to see if I’m free.blog a web page on the Internet on which someone regularly writes about their life, opinions, or a particular subject: I may not always agree with David, but I always read his blog.register an official list of names of people, organizations etc: Guests must sign the hotel register.guest | the national register of births, deaths, and marriagesbirthdeathmarriage | Lloyds Register of Shippingshiproll an official list of names, especially of people who are allowed to do something such as vote or be in a class at school: the electoral roll (=list of people who can vote in an area) | The teacher called the roll (=read out the list of the names of the students, who then have to say if they are present).calllog an official record that is kept on a ship or plane: Mr Appleby said he complained to a senior officer, who made a note in the ship’s log.saycomplainmake
adjective (comparative darker, superlative darkest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: deorc 1no lightDARK if it is dark, there is little or no light OPP light:
The church was dark and quiet.bethe dark winter daysdaySuddenly, the room went dark (=became dark).goIt gets dark (=night begins) about ten o'clock.getIt was still dark (=was night) when we boarded the train.beboardIt was pitch dark (=completely dark) in the attic.be2colourCOLOUR/COLOR quite close to black in colour OPP light, pale: There were dark clouds in the sky.becloudmen in dark suitsmansuita slightly darker colourdarkdark blue/green/pink etca dark blue dress3hair/eyes/skin someone who is dark has hair, eyes, or skin that is brown or black in colour OPP fair: a tall, dark manJohn’s dark skin and eyeseye4mysterious mysterious or secret: a dark secretkeep something dark British English (=keep something secret)Apparently, he has a son, but he’s kept that very dark.havekeep5evilBAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS evil or threatening: There was a darker side to his character.bedarka place where so many dark deeds had been committeddeedhavebecommitthe dark forces of the universeforce6unhappy timeUNHAPPY a dark time is unhappy or without hope: the dark days of the wardayEven in the darkest moments, I still had you, my love.darkmomenthave7feelings/thoughtsSAD/UNHAPPY if you have dark feelings or thoughts, you are very sad or worried: a dark depressionher darkest fearsdarkfear8humour dark humour deals with things that are bad or upsetting in a funny way SYN black: the dark humor common in difficult situationssituation9darkest Africa/South America etcNOT KNOW old-fashioned the parts of Africa etc about which we know very little - this use is now often considered offensiveTHESAURUSdark if a place is dark, there is little or no light: The room was very dark.be | No, you can’t play outside, it’s too dark. | It was a dark night with clouds covering the moon.becloudcoverdimly-lit a dimly-lit building or place is fairly dark because the lights there are not very bright: a dimly-lit restaurantlight | The church was dimly lit.belightdim a dim light is fairly dark: The camera can take good pictures even in dim lighting.picturelight | The evening sky grew dim.evengrowdarkened a darkened room or building is darker than usual, especially because its lights have been turned off or the curtains have been drawn: The prisoner lay in a darkened room.liedarken | The play starts with a darkened stage, and the sound of a woman singing softly.startdarkensinggloomy a gloomy place or room is not at all bright or cheerful: The bar was gloomy and smelled of stale cigar smoke.besmellmurky dark and difficult to see through – used especially about water: the murky waters of the lakewater | I could hardly see him in the murky light of the bar.canpitch-dark/pitch-black completely dark, so that nothing can be seen: It was pitch-dark inside the shed.beshady a shady place is cooler and darker than the area around it, because the light of the sun cannot reach it: It was nice and shady under the trees.betree | They found a shady spot for a picnic.find
darknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdarkdarksdarkdark2 nounWord family1the darkDARK when there is no light, especially because the sun has gone down: my childish fear of the darkin the darkI turned off the light and lay there in the dark.turnlieWe stood outside in the pitch dark (=when there is no light at all).stand2after/before/until dark after, before, or until the sun goes down at night: I want you home before dark.3in the dark informalNOT KNOW knowing nothing about something important, because you have not been told about it: We’re in the dark just as much as you are.beCollege officials were kept in the dark about the investigation.officialbekeep → a shot in the dark at shot1(10)THESAURUSdark coloursdark used about a colour that is strong and fairly close to black: a dark blue suit | His eyes are dark brown.eyebedeep fairly dark – often used when you think this colour looks attractive: His eyes were a beautiful deep blue.eyebe | deep red lipsliprich used about a colour that is fairly dark in a way that gives a pleasant feeling of warmth: The walls were painted a rich red colour.wallbepaint
noun [countable]
Sense 1-20, 22:Language: Old English
Origin: mearc ‘border, edge, sign’Sense 21:
Date: 1800-1900
Language: German 1dirtMARK a spot or dirty area on something that spoils its appearance:
I can’t get these marks out of my T-shirt.markHis feet left dirty marks all over the floor.footleavemarkThe skid marks (=marks left by a car’s tyres) were over 30 feet long.markbefoot2damaged areaDAMAGE a cut, hole, or other small sign of damageburn/scratch/bite etc marka burn mark on the kitchen tableThere were scratch marks all over the victim’s body.bemark3coloured areaMARK a small area of darker or lighter colour on a plain surface such as a person’s skin or an animal’s fur: The kitten is mainly white with black marks on her back.bemark → birthmark4writingSIGN/SYMBOL a shape or sign that is written or printed: What do those strange marks at the top mean?markMake a mark at the bottom of the page.5level/number a particular level, number, amount etcpass/reach/approach etc the ... markThe temperature is not expected to reach the 20 degree mark in the next few days.beexpectdayIn 1976 unemployment in Britain passed the one million mark.pass6student’s work especially British EnglishRESULT/GRADE a letter or number given by a teacher to show how good a student’s work is SYN grade American Englishgood/high markThe highest mark was a B+.highbeHer marks have been a lot lower this term.markbelowShe always gets good marks.getmarkpass mark (=the mark you need in order to pass an exam)The pass mark was 75%.befull/top marks (=the highest possible mark)7full/top marks for effort/trying/persistence etc British English spokenPRAISE used to praise someone for trying hard to do something, even though they did not succeed: I have to give you top marks for determination.mark8high/low mark approval or disapproval of something or of the way someone has done something: Parents gave the kit high marks.parentgivemarkhis low marks as transportation chiefmark9make/leave your markSUCCESSFUL to become successful or famous: It took him only two games to make his mark.takegamemake/leave your mark asHe made his mark as a pianist in the 1920s.makemake/leave your mark on/inHe has left his mark on baseball history.haveleave10leave/make its mark on somebody/something to affect someone or something so that they change in a permanent or very noticeable way: Singers like Franklin and Redding helped gospel music make its mark on popular culture.singerhelpGrowing up during the war had left its mark on her.growhaveleave11off the mark/wide of the markWRONG/INCORRECT not correct SYN inaccurate: Our cost estimate was way off the mark.be12close to the mark correct: His next guess was closer to the mark.beclose13be a mark of somethingTYPICAL to show that someone or something is a particular thing, has a particular quality etc SYN be a sign of something: The ability to perform well under pressure is the mark of a true champion.be14a mark of respect/honour/affection etc something that happens or is done to show respect, honour etca mark of respect/honour/affection etc forThe plaque awarded to Grant is a mark of recognition for his years of service.awardbeyearThere was a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for the dead.be15Mark 2/6 etc (also mark 2/6 etc) a)TYPE especially British English a particular type or model of a car, machine etc: an old Mark 2 Ford Cortina b)a measurement used in Britain for the temperature of a gas oven: Cook for 40 minutes at gas mark 6.minute16hit/miss the mark a)SHOOTto hit or miss the thing that you were shooting at b)EFFECT/INFLUENCEto succeed or fail to have the effect you wanted: Although it contains a certain amount of truth, this theory ultimately misses the mark.containmiss17be quick/slow/first etc off the mark informalUNDERSTAND to be quick, slow, first etc to understand things or react to situations: You’ll have to be quick off the mark if you want to find a job around here.18not up to the mark British English a)GOOD ENOUGHnot good enough: Her work just isn’t up to the mark. b)old-fashioned not well and healthy: I’m not feeling quite up to the mark today.feel19the halfway markLEVEL the point in a race, journey, or event that is half way between the start and the finish20bear the mark of something a)to show the physical signs of something which happened in the past: His face bore the marks of many missions.bearmarkmission b)if something bears the mark of something or someone, it has signs that show who or what made it or influenced it: His speech bore all the marks of his military background.bearmark21on your mark(s), get set, go! spoken said in order to start a race22money the standard unit of money used in Germany before the EURO23signature old useSIGN YOUR NAME a sign in the form of a cross, used by someone who is not able to write their name ► Do not use mark to mean ‘a product made by a particular company’. Use make or brand: an expensive make of camera | a well-known brand of toothpaste → exclamation mark, → overstep the mark at overstep(2), → punctuation mark, question mark, speech marksCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsmake a mark Her lipstick had made a mark on his collar.havemakeleave a mark (=make a mark) The glass had left a mark on the table.haveleaveremove a mark The product removes greasy marks from clothes.removemarkclothea mark comes off/out I can’t get this dirty mark to come out.a mark fades (=it gradually disappears) His scratch marks have faded, but the memories never will.markfadememoryADJECTIVES/NOUN + mark a black mark There were black marks all over the floor.bemarka dirty mark What’s that dirty mark on your coat?a greasy mark It’s good for getting greasy marks off carpet.getmarka tyre mark British English, a tire mark American English (=a mark left on the ground by a vehicle’s tyre) The track was pretty soft and there were tyre marks.bebemarka skid mark (=a long tyre mark caused by a car that has lost control) After the accident, two sets of skid marks were found.setmarkbefinda scorch/burn mark (=a mark caused by burning) There appeared to be scorch marks on the ceiling.appearmarka stretch mark (=a mark on your skin caused by stretching) Most women get stretch marks when they have a baby.womanmarka bite mark (=a mark where something has bitten you) Her arms were covered in itchy bite marks.armbecovermarka scratch mark The chairs had made scratch marks on the floor.chairhavemakemarkTHESAURUSa dirty markmark a dirty area on something that spoils its appearance: The bark of the tree had made black marks on her trousers.havemakemarktrouserspot a small mark on something: a grease spot on my shirtstain a mark that is difficult to remove, especially one made by a dark liquid: a wine stain on the tablecloth | blood stainsstainsmudge a mark that is made when something touches against a surface: There was a smudge of lipstick on his cheek.be | He had a smudge of chalk on his jacket.havesmear a mark that is made by a small amount of something spread across a surface: The table had a smear of paint on the top.havefingerprint (also fingermark British English) a mark on the surface of something that is made by someone’s fingers: The glass was covered with greasy fingerprints.becoverfingerprinta mark on your skinblemish a mark on your skin that spoils its appearance: John grew a beard to hide the blemishes on his chin.growblemishmole a small dark, sometimes raised, mark on your skin: Some moles may become cancerous.mole | Helena found a mole on her arm which had definitely not been there before.findhavebefreckles small light brown marks on your skin, especially on your face but also on your arms, shoulders etc: She had a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose.havesprinklefrecklebirthmark a permanent mark on your skin that you have had since you were born: There was a small birthmark on her left cheek.beleavebruise a purple or brown mark on your skin that you get because you have fallen or been hit: Her legs were covered in cuts and bruises.legbecovercutbruisescar a permanent mark on your skin, caused by a cut or by something that burns you: The injury left a small scar on his forehead.leavepimple/zit (also spot British English) a small raised red mark or lump on your skin, which usually appears when a child is between 12 and 18 years old: When I was a teenager I had terrible spots.behavespot | The boy had a few pimples under his chin.havepimplewart a small hard raised mark on your skin caused by a virus: His face was covered in hairy warts.becoverwartblister a small area of skin that is swollen and full of liquid because it has been rubbed or burned: There was a blister on his arm where the boiling milk had splashed him.beboilhavesplashrash an area of small red spots on your skin, caused by an illness or an allergy: I can’t eat strawberries - they give me a rash.strawberry
markverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesmarkmarksmarkedmarkingmarkmark2 S2 W2 verb
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: mearcian Verb form1write on something [transitive]WRITE to write or draw on something, so that someone will notice what you have written:
I’ve marked the pages you need to look at.markpagemark something with somethingWhen you’re done, put your sheet in the envelope marked with your name.domarkmark something on somethingPeter marked his name on the first page.markmark something personal/fragile/urgent etca document marked ‘confidential’markmark somebody present/absent (=write on an official list that someone is there or not there, especially in school)Any student who is more than 20 minutes late for class will be marked absent.beminutemarkAll school uniform should be clearly marked with the child’s name.shallmark2damage [intransitive and transitive]MARK to make a mark on something in a way that spoils its appearance or damages it, or to become spoiled in this way: Take off your shoes so you don’t mark the floor.shoeThe disease had marked her face for life.havemarkThe table marks easily, so please be careful.mark3celebrate [transitive]CELEBRATE to celebrate an important event: celebrations to mark Australia Daycelebrationmark something with somethingCarter’s 90th birthday will be marked with a large party at the Savoy Hotel.markMrs Lawson was presented with a gold watch to mark the occasion.bepresent4show position [transitive]SHOW/LET SB SEE STH to show where something is: A simple wooden cross marked her grave.markHe had marked the route on the map in red.havemarkmark something with somethingTroop positions were marked with colored pins.positionbemarkcolorpinShe placed a bookmark between the pages to mark her place.placepage5year/month/week [transitive] if a particular year, month, or week marks an important event, the event happened on that date during a previous year: This week marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Priestley.mark6show a change [transitive]SHOW/LET SB SEE STH to be a sign of an important change or an important stage in the development of something: Her latest novel marks a turning point in her development as a writer.latemarkturnThe move seemed to mark a major change in government policy.seemThese elections mark the end of an era.election7quality/featureTYPICAL [transitive usually passive] if something is marked by a particular quality or feature, it is a typical or important part of that thing SYN characterize: The villages of East Anglia are marked by beautiful churches with fine towers.villagebemarkchurchtower8student’s work [transitive] especially British EnglishRESULT/GRADE to read a piece of written work and put a number or letter on it to show how good it is SYN grade American English: I’ve got a pile of exam papers to mark.getpaper9sport [transitive] especially British English to stay close to a player of the opposite team during a game SYN guard American English10be marking timeWAIT to spend time not doing very much except waiting for something else to happen: I was just marking time until a better job came up.bemarkwellcome11mark time if soldiers mark time, they move their legs as if they were marching, but remain in the same place12(you) mark my words! spokenATTENTION used to tell someone that they should pay attention to what you are saying: They’re going to regret firing me, you mark my words!gofireword13mark you British English old-fashionedEMPHASIZE used to emphasize something you say SYN mind you: Her uncle’s just given her a car – given, mark you, not lent.givegivelend → markedmark somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1WRITEto write something down, especially in order to keep a record: Mark down everything you eat on your daily chart.mark somebody/something down as somethingThe teacher marked him down as absent.mark2CHEAPto reduce the price of something OPP mark up → markdown: Winter coats have been marked down from $80 to $50.coatbemark3RESULT/GRADE especially British English to give a student a lower result in a test, paper etc because they have made mistakes: Students will be marked down for failing to follow directions.studentmarkfaildirectionmark somebody/something down as something phrasal verb OPINION British English to consider someone or something to be a particular type of person or thing: When I first saw Gilbert play I marked him down as a future England player.seemarkmark somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb1SEPARATEto make an area separate by drawing a line around it, putting a rope around it etc: The competitors’ arena had been marked off with cones.competitorhavebemarkcone2FINISH DOING STHto make a mark on a list to show that something has been done or completed SYN tick off, check off: Mark off each of the names on the list as I call them out.name3DIFFERENT British English to make something or someone different from other things or people of a similar type SYN distinguishmark somebody/something ↔ off fromSara’s natural flair for languages marked her off from the other students.languagemarkstudentmark somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1SHOW/LET SB SEE STHto show the shape or position of something by drawing lines around it: A volleyball court had been marked out on the grass.havebemark2DIFFERENT British English to make someone or something seem very different from or better than other similar people or thingsmark somebody/something out as somethingHis stunning victory marked him out as the very best horse of his era.markwellmark somebody out for somethingShe seemed marked out for success.seemmarkmark something ↔ up phrasal verb1INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNTto increase the price of something, so that you sell it for more than you paid for it OPP mark down: Compact discs may be marked up as much as 80%.discmark → mark-up2WRITEto write notes or instructions for changes on a piece of writing, music etc: I have to mark up the pages and send them back to the printer.page
verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form
1KICKto hit something with your footkick something down/over/around etcBilly was kicking a ball around the yard.bekickThe police kicked the door down.kickkick somebody in the stomach/face/shin etcThere was a scuffle and he kicked me in the stomach.bekick2KICKto move your legs as if you were kicking something: He kicked off his shoes and lay back on the bed.kickshoeliea row of dancers kicking their legs in the airdancerkicklegA horse trotted past, kicking up dust from the road.trotkick3kick yourself spokenANNOY used to say that you are annoyed with yourself because you have done something silly, made a mistake etc: You’ll kick yourself when I tell you the answer.United will be kicking themselves for missing several chances.unitekickmisschance4STOP DOING STHkick the habit to stop doing something that is a harmful habit, such as smoking, taking drugs etc: The scheme helps smokers to kick the habit.helpsmoker5kick somebody when they are downCRITICIZE to criticize or attack someone who is already in a weak or difficult position: The media can’t resist kicking a man when he’s down.mediumkick6REFUSEkick somebody in the teeth (also kick somebody in the stomach/pants American English) informal to disappoint someone or treat them badly at a time when they need help: We all have times when life kicks us in the teeth.timekicktooth7kick sb’s ass/butt American English informal not polite to punish or defeat someone: We’re gonna kick San Francisco’s ass good tonight.8kick ass American English informal not polite used to say that someone or something is very good or impressive: Tucson pop band Shoebomb kick some serious ass.9kick your heels British EnglishSPEND TIME to waste time waiting for something: We were left kicking our heels for half the day.beleavekickheel10kick up your heels to enjoy yourself a lot at a party, event etc: The charity ball is a chance to kick up your heels and help a good cause.beheel11kick something into touch British English informal to stop a plan or project before it is completed: A hitch resulted in the deal being kicked firmly into touch.resultbekick12kick up a fuss/stink/row informal to complain loudly about something: Won’t he kick up a fuss when he discovers they’re missing?windiscovermiss13kicking and screaming protesting violently or being very unwilling to do something: The London Stock Exchange was dragged kicking and screaming into the 20th century.bedragkickscream14kick the shit out of somebody informal not polite to hurt someone very badly by kicking them many times15kick against the pricks British English informal to hurt or damage yourself by trying to change something that cannot be changed16kick somebody upstairsLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to move someone to a new job that seems to be more important than their last one, but that actually gives them less influence17be kicking (it) American English spoken to be relaxing and having a good time: I was just kicking with my buddies.bekickbuddy18be kicking it American English spoken to be having a romantic or sexual relationship with someonebe kicking it withMy sources say that she was kicking it with Thomas while she was on tour.sourcebekickbe19kick over the traces British English old-fashioned to start behaving badly by refusing to accept any control or rules20kick the bucket old-fashionedDIE to die – used humorouslykick (out) against something phrasal verb REACTto react strongly against something: She has kicked out against authority all her life.havekickkick around phrasal verb1DISCUSSkick something around to think about or discuss an idea before making a decision: We kicked that suggestion around and in the end decided to go ahead.kickdecide2CRUELkick somebody around to treat someone badly and unfairly: I have my pride, you know. They can’t kick me around.3kick around (something) to be in a place doing things, but without any firm plans SYN knock around: He kicked around India for a few months.kickmonth4to be left in a place untidily or forgotten: There’s a copy of the report kicking around somewhere.kickkick back phrasal verb American English to relax: Your waitress will take your order while you kick back and enjoy the game.kick in phrasal verb1informalEFFECTIVE to start or to begin to have an effect: The storm is expected to kick in shortly after sunrise.beexpectThe painkillers kicked in and he became sleepy.painkillerkickbecome2kick in (something)GIVE to join with others in giving money or help SYN chip in: Bill never wants to kick in.wantWe were each asked to kick in 50 cents toward the cost.beaskcent3kick sb’s head/face/teeth inINJURE to injure someone badly by kicking them: He threatened to come round and kick my head in.threaten4kick a door in to kick a locked door so hard that it breaks open: We had to get the police to kick the door in.havekick off phrasal verb1START TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETCSTART DOING STHif a meeting, event, or a football game kicks off, it starts: What time does the laser show kick off?doThe match kicks off at noon.kickkick off withThe series kicked off with an interview with Brando.kick2informal if you kick off a discussion, meeting, event etc, you start it: OK Marion, would you care to kick off?willkick something ↔ off (with something)I’m going to kick off today’s meeting with a few remarks about the budget.gomeetremark3kick somebody off something informal to remove someone from a team or group: Joe was kicked off the committee for stealing funds.bekickstealfund4American English informal to die5British English spoken if a fight kicks off, people start fighting: I think it might kick off in here with all these football fans around.fankick somebody ↔ out phrasal verb LEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATIONLEAVE A SCHOOL OR COLLEGEto make someone leave a place, job etc SYN throw out: Bernard’s wife kicked him out.kickkick somebody ↔ out ofHe was kicked out of the golf club.bekick
kicknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleskickkickskickkick2 S3 noun [countable]1KICKa movement of your foot or leg, usually to hit something with your foot: Brazil scored with the last kick of the match.scoreRory aimed a kick at her leg and missed.aimmisskung fu kickskickIf the door won’t open, just give it a good kick.win2the act of kicking the ball in a sports game such as football, or the ball that is kicked and the direction it goes in: Benjamin struck a post with an overhead kick.strikefree/penalty kick (=an opportunity, allowed by the rules, for a player in one team to kick the ball without being stopped by the other team)Pearce came forward to take the free kick.come3ENJOY/LIKE DOING STHsomething that you enjoy because it is exciting SYN thrillget a kick out of/from (doing) somethingGerald gets a kick out of dressing as a woman.getdressgive somebody a kickIt gives her a kick to get you into trouble.givedo something (just) for kicksShe used to steal from shops for kicks.useshopkick4a kick up the arse/backside/pants etc informalCRITICIZEPUNISH criticism or strong encouragement to make someone do something they should have done: What Phil needs is a good kick up the arse.needbe5a kick in the teeth informalDISAPPOINTED something that is very disappointing or upsetting that happens when you need support: This broken promise is a real kick in the teeth for our fans.breakbetoothfan6a kick informalSTRONG TASTE OR SMELL used to talk about the strong effect of a drink or drug or the strong taste that some food has: The wine had a real kick.haveCOLLOCATIONSverbsgive something a kick The door was stuck; he gave it a kick.bestickgiveget a kick He got a kick on the ankles from Anne.getankleaim a kick at somebody/something Lifting her foot, she aimed a kick at her brother.liftaimadjectivesa good kick (=a strong kick) The only way to make the drinks dispenser work is to give it a good kick.drinkbea hard kick A hard kick to the knee could cause a lot of damage.cana high kick (=when someone raises their foot high into the air) The dance routine was full of high kicks.bekick
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: stocc ‘tree-trunk, block of wood’ 1in a shop [uncountable and countable] a supply of a particular type of thing that a shop has available to sell:
We have a huge stock of quality carpets on sale.carpetBuy now while stocks last!stockout of stock/in stock (=unavailable or available in a particular shop)I’m sorry, that swimsuit is completely out of stock in your size.be2finance a)[countable] especially American English a share in a company: the trading of stocks and sharestradestockshare b)[uncountable] the total value of all of a company’s shares3amount available [countable]AMOUNT the total amount of something that is available to be used in a particular area: Cod stocks in the North Atlantic have dropped radically.stockdropthe stock of housing in rural areashousearea4supplies [countable]AMOUNT a supply of something that you keep and can use when you need tostock ofHe keeps a stock of medicines in the cupboard.keepmedicineThe country has been building up its stock of weapons.havebebuildweapon5take stock (of something)THINK ABOUT to think carefully about the things that have happened in a situation in order to decide what to do next: While in hospital, Jeremy took stock of his life.take6cooking [uncountable and countable] a liquid made by boiling meat or bones and vegetables, which is used to make soups or to add flavour to other dishes: chicken stockvegetable stock7gun [countable] the part of a gun that you hold or put against your shoulder, usually made of wood8animals [uncountable] farm animals, especially cattle SYN livestock9the stocks a)PUNISHa wooden structure in a public place to which criminals were fastened by their feet or hands in the past b)a wooden structure in which a ship is held while it is being built10sb’s stock is high/lowPOPULAR if someone’s stock is high or low, they are very popular or very unpopular: Simon’s stock is high in the network news business.be11stock of jokes/knowledge/courage etcAMOUNT the jokes, knowledge etc that someone knows or has: John seems to have an inexhaustible stock of funny stories.seemstory12be of Scottish/Protestant/good etc stockCOME FROM/ORIGINATE to belong to a family that in the past lived in Scotland, were Protestants, were respected etc13flower [countable] a plant with pink, white, or light purple flowers and a sweet smell14plant [countable] a thick part of a stem onto which another plant can be added so that the two plants grow together15actors [countable] American English a stock company(2)
stockverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstockstocksstockedstockingstockstock2 verb [transitive]Verb form1SELLif a shop stocks a particular product, it keeps a supply of it to sell: We stock a wide range of kitchen equipment.2KEEP/STOREto fill something with a supply of somethingstock something with somethingOur refrigerator at college was always stocked with beer.bestockstock up phrasal verb BUYto buy a lot of something in order to keep it for when you need to use it laterstock up onI have to stock up on snacks for the party.snack
stockadjectiveCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstockstockstock3 adjective1stock excuse/question/remark etcUSUALLYTYPICAL an excuse etc that people often say or use, especially when they cannot think of anything more interesting or original – used to show disapproval2[only before noun]SELLstock item/size something that is available in a shop and does not have to be ordered
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: fameus, from Latin fama; → FAME 1FAMOUS a)known about by many people in many places:
a famous actorMany famous people have stayed in the hotel.stayThe Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark (=a famous place or building that is easy to recognize).befamous forFrance is famous for its wine.befamous asVirginia is famous as the birthplace of several US presidents.bepresidentDa Vinci’s world-famous portrait of the Mona Lisa b)the famous [plural] people who are famous: a nightclub used by the rich and famoususe2BELIEVEfamous last words spoken used when someone has said too confidently that they can do something or that something will happenTHESAURUSfamous known about by a lot of people in many places, often all over the world: She always wanted to be famous.want | The Mona Lisa is Da Vinci’s most famous painting.bepaintwell-known known about by a lot of people, especially in a particular place: Shilpa Shetty was well-known in India, but few people in the UK had heard of her.beknowhavehear | a well-known brand of cat foodknowcelebrated written very well-known and admired: Dalí is one of Spain’s most celebrated artists.becelebrateartist | Martin Luther King’s celebrated speechcelebraterenowned/noted famous, especially for a particular thing or activity. Noted is more formal than renowned: The British are renowned for their love of animals.beanimal | The area is noted for its wines.benotewine | An internationally renowned chef owns the restaurant.ownlegendary very famous and greatly admired – used especially about people who have been doing something for a long time or who have died: the legendary blues guitarist, BB Kingblue | Her stage performances were legendary.performancebecelebrity noun [countable] someone who often appears in newspapers, on television etc and is well-known to the public: The magazine is full of gossip about celebrities.becelebrity | Reality TV can turn its participants into celebrities.participantcelebrityfamous because of something badnotorious /nəʊˈtɔːriəs, nə- $ noʊ-, nə-/ famous because of doing something bad: a notorious criminal | a notorious legal caseinfamous famous because of doing something very bad, which seems immoral or evil: the infamous attack on the World Trade Center | the infamous Jack the Ripper
verb
Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Italian
Origin: maneggiare, from mano ‘hand’, from Latin manus Verb form1business [transitive]MANAGER to direct or control a business or department and the people, equipment, and money involved in it:
He was asked to manage a new department.beaskManaging a football team is harder than you think.managebehardThe company had been very badly managed.havebemanagea brewery which has been owned and managed by the same family for over 100 yearshavebeownmanageyear2do something difficult [intransitive and transitive]SUCCEED IN DOING STH to succeed in doing something difficult, especially after trying very hardmanage to do somethingI finally managed to push the huge animal away.manageHow do you manage to stay so slim?We somehow managed to persuade him.manageJuventus managed two goals in the last ten minutes.managegoalminuteI don’t know how I’ll manage it, but I’ll be there.RegisterIn written English, people often use succeed in doing something rather than manage to do something, as it sounds more formal:At a time of depression, Roosevelt succeeded in restoring hope.succeedrestore3deal with problems [intransitive]DEAL WITH to succeed in dealing with problems, living in a difficult situation etc: I don’t know how she manages with seven children.managechildWe didn’t have the proper equipment, but we managed somehow.managemanage withoutHow do you manage without a washing machine?washmanage withI can’t afford to get you a new coat – you’ll have to manage with the one you’ve got.get4time/money etc [transitive]EFFECTIVE to use your time, money etc sensibly, without wasting it: Paying a little each month can help you manage your money.payYou need to learn to manage your time more effectively.Consultants can help academic institutions to manage their resources more efficiently.consultantinstitutionresource5live without much money [intransitive]DEAL WITH to succeed in buying the things that you need in order to live even though you do not have very much money SYN get by: I honestly don’t know how we’ll manage now Keith’s lost his job.loseIt’ll be tight, but I guess I’ll just about manage.manage onPeople like Jim have to manage on as little as $75 a week.6not need help [intransitive and transitive] spokenNEED to be able to do something or carry something without help: Can you manage all right, Mum?You’ll never manage that suitcase; let me take it.Thank you, but I think I can manage perfectly well on my own.7keep tidy [transitive] especially British EnglishTIDY to succeed in keeping something neat and tidy: He’ll never manage such a big garden on his own.8control [transitive]CONTROL to control the behaviour of a person or animal, so that they do what you want: It’s hard to manage your children and do the shopping.childshopThe horse was huge and vicious. Giles was the only one who could manage her.bebecan9be strong enough [transitive]DEAL WITH to be able to do something because you are strong enough or healthy enough: He tried to walk, but managed only a few shaky steps.trymanagestep10eat/drink [transitive]EATDRINK to be able to eat or drink something: Could you manage another drink?can11cause problems [transitive]CAUSE to do something that causes problems – used humorouslymanage to do somethingAndrews has managed to get himself sacked.havemanagesackI don’t know how I managed to arrive so late.manage12manage a few words/a smile etcWILLING to make yourself say or do something when you do not really want to: Tom looked tired but still managed a smile.looktiremanagemanage to smile/speak/laugh etc‘Why do you hate me so much?’ he managed to say.manage13have time for [transitive]TIME/HAVE TIME to be able to meet someone or do something, even though you are busy: Can you manage dinner tonight?‘Is there any chance you could work late?’ ‘I think I could manage an hour.’becancan
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: stan 1rock [uncountable] a hard solid mineral substance:
a stone wallstone stepsstepThe floors are made of stone.floorbemake2piece of rock [countable] a small piece of rock of any shape, found on the ground SYN rock American English: A handful of protesters began throwing stones at the police.protesterbeginthrowstone3jewellery [countable] a jewel SYN precious stone4fruit [countable] British English the large hard part at the centre of some fruits, such as a peach or cherry, which contains the seed SYN pit American English5medical [countable] a ball of hard material that can form in organs such as your bladder or kidneys6weight (plural stone) [countable] (written abbreviation st) a British unit for measuring weight, equal to 14 pounds or 6.35 kilograms7a stone’s throw from something/away (from something)NEAR very close to something: The hotel is only a stone’s throw from the beach.be8be made of stone (also have a heart of stone)EMOTIONAL# to not show any emotions or pity for someone9not be carved/etched in stone used to say an idea or plan could change: John has several new ideas for the show, but nothing is etched in stone yet.haveideabeetch10leave no stone unturned to do everything you can in order to find something or to solve a problem: Jarvis left no stone unturned in his search to find the ring.leaveTHESAURUSrock a piece of the hard substance that forms the main surface of the Earth. In British English, rocks are too large to pick up, but in American English, they can either be large or small: the rocks along the riverbanksrockriverbankstone a small piece of rock, found on the ground or near the surface of the ground. Speakers of American English are more likely to use the word rock than stone: The children were throwing stones into the water.childbethrowstoneboulder a large round piece of rock: She climbed over a few boulders at the edge of the sea.climbboulderpebble a small smooth stone found especially on a beach or on the bottom of a river: The beach was covered with smooth white pebbles.becoverpebblefossil a rock which has the shape of an animal or plant that lived many thousands of years ago: fossils of early reptilesfossilreptile
stoneverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstonestonesstonedstoningstonestone2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1THROWto throw stones at someone or something: Rioters blocked roads and stoned vehicles.blockroadstonevehicle2stone somebody to death to kill someone by throwing stones at them, used as a punishment3British English to take the stone out of fruit SYN pit American English: stoned datesstonedate4stone the crows! (also stone me!) British English old-fashionedSURPRISED used to express surprise or shock
verb
Date: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: conductus, past participle of conducere; CONDUCE Verb form1carry out [transitive]DO to carry out a particular activity or process, especially in order to get information or prove factsconduct a survey/investigation/review etc
We are conducting a survey of consumer attitudes towards organic food.beconductattitudeconduct an experiment/a testIs it really necessary to conduct experiments on animals?beexperimentanimalconduct a campaignThey conducted a campaign of bombings and assassinations.conductbombingassassinationconduct an interviewThe interview was conducted in English.beconductThe memorial service was conducted by the Rev. David Prior.beconductIt was the first time that I had conducted business in Brazil.behaveconductRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say do or carry out rather than conduct: They’re doing a survey of opinions about organic food.doopinion2music [intransitive and transitive] to stand in front of a group of musicians or singers and direct their playing or singing → conductorconduct an orchestra/choirThe orchestra is conducted by John Williams.beconductWho will be conducting?conduct3behave conduct yourself formalBEHAVE to behave in a particular way, especially in a situation where people judge you by the way you behave: The players conducted themselves impeccably, both on and off the field.playerconduct4electricity/heat [transitive]TAKE/BRING if something conducts electricity or heat, it allows electricity or heat to travel along or through it → conductor: Aluminium, being a metal, readily conducts heat.beconduct5show somebody something [transitive always + adverb/preposition] formalSHOW/LET SB SEE STH to take or lead someone somewhereconduct somebody to somethingOn arrival, I was conducted to the commandant’s office.beconductconducted tour (of something) (=a tour of a building, city, or area with someone who tells you about that place)a conducted tour of BerlinconductCOLLOCATIONSnounsconduct research He’s conducting educational research at the University of Washington.conductconduct a survey They conducted a survey of students’ careers one year after graduation.conductstudentcareerconduct a study/review Scientists conducted a study of the area affected by the nuclear disaster.scientistconductaffectconduct an investigation/inquiry Experts conducted an investigation into the causes of the crash.expertconductcauseconduct an interview Here are a few guidelines on how to conduct an interview.beguidelineconduct a campaign The party was criticized for the way it had conducted its election campaign.becriticizehaveconductconduct a test/experiment Investigators will be conducting tests to determine how the man died.investigatorconducttestdieconduct a search The Spanish authorities conducted a nationwide search for the girl.authorityconductconduct (a) business The company had been conducting a lot of business in Latin America.havebeconductTHESAURUSdo to do something – used in the following phrases: do your work/homework etc: It usually takes me a couple of hours to do my homework.takehour | do the shopping/cooking/washing etc: She’s gone to the supermarket to do the shopping.goshop | do a test/experiment/some research: The doctor did some tests.dotest | Fraser spent some time in Egypt doing some archaeological research.spenddo | Scientists are doing research on two types of vaccine.scientistbedotype | do a course: Have you decided which course you want to do at university?decidemake to do something – used in the following phrases: make a speech: The Prince made a short speech.make | make a comment/suggestion/joke: Can I make a suggestion? | make a decision: The committee will meet to make their final decision. | make a mistake: I think someone has made a mistake.havemakegive to do something – used in the following phrases: give a talk/speech/lecture: They’ve asked him to give a talk.ask | give a performance: The band gave a brilliant performance.givetake to do something – used in the following phrases: take a test/exam: Kate’s taking her driving test tomorrow.takedrive | take a bath/shower: I think I’ll go and take a shower. | take a walk: Normally, he took a walk in the evenings.takeeveningcommit to do something that is a crime, especially a serious crime: commit a crime: The crime was committed in the early hours of the morning.becommithour | commit a robbery/murder etc: Dixon later admitted committing the robbery.lateadmitcommitcarry out something to do something – used in the following phrases: carry out your work: The violence is making it difficult for firefighters to carry out their work.bemakefirefighter | carry out a task/duty: He still managed to carry out his duties.manageduty | carry out a survey/test/some research: The hospital carries out research into skin diseases.carrydisease | carry out an operation: The operation was carried out at a hospital in Paris.becarry | carry out a threat/promise: They didn’t carry out their threat to kill the hostages.hostage | carry out sb’s orders/instructions/wishes: I’m sure I can rely on you to carry out my instructions.instructionperform to do something. Perform is more formal than carry out, and is used in the following phrases: perform a task/duty: The job mostly involves performing administrative tasks.involveperformtask | perform an operation: A team of surgeons performed the operation.surgeonperformconduct to do something – used in the following phrases: conduct a survey/study/experiment: They conducted a survey of approximately 2,000 people living in the area.conductlive | conduct an inquiry/investigation: The police are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.beconduct | conduct an interview: Knowing how to conduct a successful interview is a skill.knowbe | conduct a campaign: People were unimpressed by the way in which the election campaign was conducted.bebeconductgo about something to do your work or the things that you usually do, especially when something serious has happened: go about your work/business: The next day she went about her business as if nothing had happened.gohavehappenget on with something spoken especially British English to start doing something that you should have started already or to continue doing something that you stopped doing for a short time: I need to get on with my homework.be up to something spoken to be doing something that you think is probably bad, although you do not know exactly what it is: I’m sure they’re up to something. | What’s Jake up to? He’s been upstairs in his room all day.be
conductnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesconductconductsconductcon‧duct2 W3 AC /ˈkɒndʌkt $ ˈkɑːn-/ noun [uncountable] formal1BEHAVEthe way someone behaves, especially in public, in their job etc SYN behaviour: The Senator’s conduct is being investigated by the Ethics Committee.bebeinvestigateethican inquiry into the conduct of the policeethical/professional etc conductthe Law Society’s Code of Professional Conductimproper/violent/offensive etc conducthis arrest for disorderly conduct (=noisy violent behaviour)2conduct of somethingDO the way in which an activity is organized and carried out: complaints about the conduct of the electionscomplaintelectionDisclosure of information would compromise the proper conduct of the investigation.willCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesprofessional conduct There are strict rules that regulate lawyers’ professional conduct.berulelawyersexual conduct The politician’s sexual conduct had caused scandal.havecauseviolent conduct Their goalkeeper was sent off the field for violent conduct.besenddisorderly conduct (=behaving in a noisy or violent way in public) Her husband was arrested for drunkenness and disorderly conduct.bearrestcriminal conduct In some cases of bullying, pupils may be guilty of criminal conduct.casebullypupilproper/improper conduct (=correct/incorrect behaviour according to the normal rules or standards) There was no evidence of improper conduct on the part of the police.bepersonal conduct You are expected to maintain a high standard of personal conduct at work.beexpectunsportsmanlike conduct (=behaviour that is not acceptable in a fair competition) He swore at the referee, and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.swearbepenalizehuman conduct Societies have certain rules for normal human conduct.societyrulephrasesa code of conduct (=a set of rules stating how you must behave) All professions have a code of conduct.professionrules/standards of conduct In war, there are established rules of conduct.beestablishrulea course of conduct (=a set of actions) The court said that when Harris had embarked on this course of conduct, he knew that it would put lives at risk.sayhaveembarkknowwillliveTHESAURUSbehaviour British English, behavior American English the way someone behaves: Chemicals added to food may be responsible for children’s bad behaviour.chemicaladdchild | Tatsuya apologized for his behaviour towards me.apologizeconduct formal the way someone behaves in public or in their job – used mainly in official or legal contexts: Bates was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct (=noisy and violent).bearrestcharge | The committee found him guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct.findmanner the way someone behaves when they are talking to or dealing with other people, which is shown in their expression, their voice etc: She had a pleasant friendly manner.have | Suddenly his whole manner changed, and he started shouting.changestartshout | His initial manner towards her had been rather formal.havebedemeanour British English, demeanor American English formal the way someone looks and behaves, which shows you something about their character or feelings: She maintained a calm demeanour at all times.maintaintime | Wenger’s demeanour suggested that he was not happy with the situation.suggestbeantics someone’s behaviour – used when you think it is silly, funny, strange, or annoying: The drunken antics of some English football fans has brought shame on the country.fanhavebring | The actor is becoming known for his increasingly bizarre off-screen antics.bebecomeknow
verbWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Anglo-French
Origin: performer, from Old French perfournir, from fournir ‘to complete’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]PERFORM to do something to entertain people, for example by acting a play or playing a piece of music:
Chenier and the band are performing at the Silver Palace tomorrow.beperformThe children perform two plays each school year.childplay ► Do not use perform to say what person an actor pretends to be in a play, film etc. Use play: John Wayne played (NOT performed) a Roman soldier in the film.2[transitive]DO to do something, especially something difficult or useful SYN carry out: Surgeons performed an emergency operation.surgeonperformThe official opening ceremony was performed by Princess Margaret.openbeperformperform a study/experiment/analysis etcAn analysis of the survey data was performed.datumbeperformperform a task/job/dutyShe was fired for not performing the duties outlined in her contract.befireperformdutyoutlineperform a function/rolesoftware that performs a specific functionperformThe leadership cannot be expected to perform miracles (=improve a situation in a way that seems impossible).expectmiracleRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone carries out an operation, a study etc rather than use perform:The operation was carried out by a team of surgeons.becarrysurgeon3perform well/badly etc a)PERFORMto work or do something well, badly etc → underperform: Many religious schools perform well academically.schoolThe team performed poorly on Saturday.perform b)if a product, business etc performs well or badly, it makes a lot of money or very little money: The economy is performing well.beperformCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsperform a task/job/duty etc What skills do you need to perform this task?skillperform work Over 6,000 people in our community of 100,000 perform volunteer work.perform an experiment/study etc Part of the Chemistry exam involves performing an experiment.involveperformperform an operation The surgeon who performed the operation said it had gone well.performsayhavegoperform a ceremony At 3 o'clock, the opening ceremony was performed by the Queen.openbeperformperform a service Our troops are performing a remarkable service and a terribly important mission.troopbeperformperform a function/role The two organizations perform similar functions.organizationfunctionperform an action The children sing and perform the actions to nursery songs.childactionsongperform miracles (=do things that seem impossible) I'm prepared to work hard to get the job done but I can't perform miracles.preparedomiracleTHESAURUSdo to do something – used in the following phrases: do your work/homework etc: It usually takes me a couple of hours to do my homework.takehour | do the shopping/cooking/washing etc: She’s gone to the supermarket to do the shopping.goshop | do a test/experiment/some research: The doctor did some tests.dotest | Fraser spent some time in Egypt doing some archaeological research.spenddo | Scientists are doing research on two types of vaccine.scientistbedotype | do a course: Have you decided which course you want to do at university?decidemake to do something – used in the following phrases: make a speech: The Prince made a short speech.make | make a comment/suggestion/joke: Can I make a suggestion? | make a decision: The committee will meet to make their final decision. | make a mistake: I think someone has made a mistake.havemakegive to do something – used in the following phrases: give a talk/speech/lecture: They’ve asked him to give a talk.ask | give a performance: The band gave a brilliant performance.givetake to do something – used in the following phrases: take a test/exam: Kate’s taking her driving test tomorrow.takedrive | take a bath/shower: I think I’ll go and take a shower. | take a walk: Normally, he took a walk in the evenings.takeeveningcommit to do something that is a crime, especially a serious crime: commit a crime: The crime was committed in the early hours of the morning.becommithour | commit a robbery/murder etc: Dixon later admitted committing the robbery.lateadmitcommitcarry out something to do something – used in the following phrases: carry out your work: The violence is making it difficult for firefighters to carry out their work.bemakefirefighter | carry out a task/duty: He still managed to carry out his duties.manageduty | carry out a survey/test/some research: The hospital carries out research into skin diseases.carrydisease | carry out an operation: The operation was carried out at a hospital in Paris.becarry | carry out a threat/promise: They didn’t carry out their threat to kill the hostages.hostage | carry out sb’s orders/instructions/wishes: I’m sure I can rely on you to carry out my instructions.instructionperform to do something. Perform is more formal than carry out, and is used in the following phrases: perform a task/duty: The job mostly involves performing administrative tasks.involveperformtask | perform an operation: A team of surgeons performed the operation.surgeonperformconduct to do something – used in the following phrases: conduct a survey/study/experiment: They conducted a survey of approximately 2,000 people living in the area.conductlive | conduct an inquiry/investigation: The police are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.beconduct | conduct an interview: Knowing how to conduct a successful interview is a skill.knowbe | conduct a campaign: People were unimpressed by the way in which the election campaign was conducted.bebeconductgo about something to do your work or the things that you usually do, especially when something serious has happened: go about your work/business: The next day she went about her business as if nothing had happened.gohavehappenget on with something spoken especially British English to start doing something that you should have started already or to continue doing something that you stopped doing for a short time: I need to get on with my homework.be up to something spoken to be doing something that you think is probably bad, although you do not know exactly what it is: I’m sure they’re up to something. | What’s Jake up to? He’s been upstairs in his room all day.be
nounWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: revue; → REVUE 1[uncountable and countable]JUDGE a careful examination of a situation or process → evaluation, analysisreview of
She sent us her review of the research.sendcarry out/conduct/undertake a reviewThe company hired Bob to conduct an independent review of their workplace procedures.hireprocedurereview body/committee/panel/boardthe Teachers’ Pay Review Bodyteacherunder reviewWe’re keeping this policy under review (=we are continuing to examine it).keepThe policy comes up for review (=will be reviewed) in April.comeAll fees are subject to review (=may be reviewed).feebeMr Crowther asked for judicial review of the decision (=an examination of the decision by a judge).ask2[countable] an article in a newspaper or magazine that gives an opinion about a new book, play, film etc: a film reviewreview ofThe paper published a review of her book.publishgood/bad/mixed reviewThe band’s new album has had very good reviews.havehavereviewThe film opened to rave reviews (=reviews that praised it a lot).openreview3[uncountable] the work of writing reviews for a newspaper or magazinefor reviewThe book was sent to the press for review in September.besendThe journal receives review copies (=free copies to review) of most new software products.receivecopyproduct4[countable] a report on a series of events or a period of time, that mentions the most important partsreview ofa review of the year5[countable] an official show of the army, navy etc so that a king, president, or officer of high rank can see them: a naval reviewCOLLOCATIONSverbscarry out a review (also conduct a review formal) No one has yet carried out a review of the system.havecarry | Government officials are conducting a review of the law.officialbeconductundertake a review (=start it and carry it out) The department plans to undertake a spending review.planspendkeep something under review (=continue to review it) He recommended that the matter should be kept under review.recommendshallkeepcome up for review (=be reviewed after a particular period of time has ended) His contract is coming up for review.becomebe subject to review formal (=may be reviewed or changed) These prices are subject to review.pricebeADJECTIVES/NOUN + reviewa major review We are conducting a major review of our procedures.beconductprocedurea thorough/comprehensive review Their conclusion is based on a comprehensive review of all the previous studies.bebasestudyan extensive/wide-ranging review He is currently conducting a wide-ranging review of public spending.beconductrangespenda fundamental review (=that examines the most basic and important parts of something) There have been calls for a fundamental review of our voting system.becallvotean annual review There will be an annual review of your salary.an independent review Their findings have been confirmed by a recent independent review.findingbeconfirman internal review (=one that an organization carries out on itself) The Army is conducting an internal review.beconductjudicial review (=examination by a judge) The case is likely to go to judicial review.bea policy review The policy review proposed radical changes to the system.proposechangea spending review Extra money was promised in last summer’s spending review.bepromisespendreview + NOUNa review body/committee/panel/board We will set up a pay review body for all staff.a review process We cannot comment until the review process is over.beTHESAURUSarticle a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine about a particular subject: Greg began his career writing articles for the college magazine.beginwritearticle | an interesting newspaper articleintereststory an article in a newspaper about a recent event, especially one that a lot of people find interesting or exciting: a front-page story | I read a newspaper story about the crash. | The local paper ran a story (=published a story) about the festival.runpiece a short article in a newspaper or magazine: I’ve written a couple of pieces for the New York Times magazine.writepiecetime | The piece was first published in the Observer.bepublishfeature a special article about a particular subject, often with photographs and continuing for several pages: They had a special feature on Croatia.have | The paper did a big feature on growing your own food.dogrowreview an article in a newspaper or magazine about a book, play, product, hotel etc, giving someone’s opinion of it: The play had rave reviews (=people liked it a lot - an informal use).havereview | Did you see the review of the new Coldplay album?docolumn an article by a particular writer that appears regularly in a newspaper or magazine: He has a weekly column in the TImes.havetime | She writes a newspaper column on gardening.writegarden editorial a piece of writing in a newspaper that gives the personal opinion of the editor about something that is in the news: Several years ago the New York Times published an editorial stating that the appropriate minimum wage is $0.00.yeartimepublishstatebecutting British English an article that has been cut from a newspaper or magazine: His mother has kept all his old press cuttings.havekeepcutting
reviewverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesreviewreviewsreviewedreviewingreviewreview2 S3 W3 verb [transitive]Word familySense 1-2, 4-5:Date: 1600-1700
Origin: → REVIEW1Sense 3:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: view Verb form1JUDGEto examine, consider, and judge a situation or process carefully in order to see if changes are necessary → evaluate, analyse:
We will review your situation and decide how we can help you.The decision will be reviewed by the Supreme Court.reviewThe team manager’s position will be reviewed at the end of the season.review2to write a short article describing and judging a new book, play, film etc: Bradman will review the best of the new children’s books.wellchildbook3American EnglishSTUDY to look again at something you have studied, such as notes, reports etc SYN revise British English4to examine and describe the most important parts of a series of events or period of time: a journalist who will review the events of the past six monthseventmonth5to officially watch a group of soldiers, ships etc at a military show: The President will review the soldiers on parade.soldierTHESAURUSexamine to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out more about it: Experts who examined the painting believe it is genuine.expertexaminepaintbe | Her new book examines the causes of social discontent.examinecause | A team of divers was sent down to examine the wreckage.diverbesend | The police will examine the weapon for fingerprints.fingerprinthave a look at/take a look at especially spoken to quickly examine something to find out what is wrong with it or to find out more about it. Have a look at is less formal than examine, and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: I’ll have a look at your car if you like.inspect to examine something carefully to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly, especially when it is your job to do this: The building is regularly inspected by a fire-safety officer.buildbeinspect | Some insurance people have already been here to inspect the damage caused by the storm.because | Russian and American teams will have the right to inspect each other’s missile sites.teamsiteanalyze (also analyse British English) to examine something carefully, especially detailed information about something, so that you can understand it: Researchers analyzed the results of the survey.researcheranalyzeresult | We’re still analysing all the data.analysedatum | One of the problems in analyzing the situation is that we do not have all the information yet.problemanalyzebestudy to spend a lot of time examining something very carefully, for example a problem or situation: I won’t comment till I’ve had time to study the proposals.winhaveproposal | A team of scientists has been studying the effects of global warming on Antarctica.scientisthavebestudyeffectwarmreview to examine something such as a situation or process to see if any changes are necessary: The bank will review its security procedures after last week’s attack.procedurescrutinize (also scrutinise British English) to examine something very carefully to find out if there is anything wrong with it: Congress is currently scrutinizing the deal.bescrutinize
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: bouteille, from Medieval Latin butticula, from Late Latin buttis ‘wooden container for liquid’
1CONTAINER[countable] a container with a narrow top for keeping liquids in, usually made of plastic or glass: an empty bottlea wine/milk/beer etc bottlebottle ofa bottle of champagne2AMOUNT OF LIQUID[countable] (also bottleful) the amount of liquid that a bottle contains: Between us, we drank three bottles of wine.drinkbottle3MILK[countable] a container for babies to drink from, with a rubber part on top that they suck, or the milk contained in this bottle: My first baby just wouldn’t take a bottle at all.4the bottle alcoholic drink – used when talking about the problems drinking can cause: Peter let the bottle ruin his life.hit the bottle (=regularly drink too much)She was under a lot of stress, and started hitting the bottle.bestarthitbe on the bottle British English (=be drinking a lot of alcohol regularly)5COURAGE[uncountable]BRAVE British English informal courage to do something that is dangerous or unpleasant SYN nerve: I never thought she’d have the bottle to do it!think6bring a bottle British English, bring your own bottle American English used when you invite someone to an informal party, to tell them that they should bring their own bottle of alcoholic drink → hot-water bottle
bottleverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbottlebottlesbottledbottlingbottlebottle2 verb [transitive]Verb form1to put a liquid, especially wine or beer, into a bottle after you have made it: The whisky is bottled here before being sent abroad.bebottlebesend2British English to put vegetables or fruit into special glass containers in order to preserve them SYN can American Englishbottle out (also bottle itbottle it) phrasal verb FRIGHTENED British English informal to suddenly decide not to do something because you are frightened SYN cop out: ‘Did you tell him?’ ‘No, I bottled out at the last minute.’dobottlebottle something ↔ up phrasal verb1HIDE/NOT SHOWto deliberately not allow yourself to show a strong feeling or emotion: It is far better to cry than to bottle up your feelings.bewellfeeling2to cause problems by delaying something: The bill has been bottled up in Congress.havebebottle
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: finir, from Latin finire, from finis ‘end’ Verb form1stop doing something (also finish off) [intransitive and transitive]FINISH DOING STH to complete the last part of something that you are doing:
You can’t go anywhere until you’ve finished your homework.finishHave you finished that book yet?finishfinish doing somethingI finished typing the report just minutes before it was due.finishtypeminutebe‘How’s the decorating going?’ ‘We’ve nearly finished.’decorategofinish2end [intransitive] especially British EnglishFINISH/COME TO AN END when an event, activity, or period of time finishes, it ends, especially at a particular time: The football season finishes in May.finishWhat time does school finish?do3eat/drink (also finish up/off) [transitive]EATFINISH/USE ALL OF STH to eat or drink all the rest of something, so there is none left: I’ll just finish my coffee.4end something by doing something (also finish off) [intransitive and transitive]FINISH/COME TO AN END to complete an event, performance, piece of work etc by doing one final thingfinish withThe party finished with a sing-song.finishfinish (something) by doing somethingI would like to finish by thanking you all for your help.willthank5race [intransitive and transitive]FINISH DOING STH to be in a particular position at the end of a race, competition etcfinish first/second/third etcHe finished second in the 100 metres, behind Ben Johnson.finishmetre6take away sb’s strength (also finish off) [transitive]TIRED to take away all of someone’s strength, energy etc SYN do somebody in: Another run like that would just about finish me.will7use all of something [intransitive and transitive] British EnglishFINISH/USE ALL OF STH to completely use up the supply of something, especially food: The ice cream’s finished – can you get some more?finish8put/add the finishing touches (to something)FINISH DOING STH to add the final details that make your work complete: The band are putting the finishing touches to their new album.beputfinishtouch9surface [transitive]FLAT to give the surface of something, especially wood, a smooth appearance by painting, polishing, or covering it: The furniture had been attractively finished in a walnut veneer.havebefinishTHESAURUSfinish to complete the last part of something that you are doing: Have you finished your homework?finish | The builders say they should have finished by Friday.buildershallfinishcomplete to finish making or doing something that has taken a long time to finish: The new bridge will be completed in two years’ time.completeyear | She has just completed her PhD.havecompletefinalize to do the last things that are necessary in order to settle a plan or agreement in a satisfactory way: A spokesman said that they were hoping to finalize an agreement in the near future.saybehopeconclude formal to officially finish something: The police have now concluded their investigations.concludeinvestigation | Ralph Ellis, Managing Director, concluded the conference with a review of the trading year.manageconcludetradewrap something up informal to finish something successfully – used especially about agreements or sports competitions: Negotiators are meeting on Friday to wrap up the deal.negotiatorbemeet | Liverpool had several chances to wrap up the game.havechanceround something off British English, round something out American English to do something as a way of ending a day, an evening, an event etc in an enjoyable or suitable way: They rounded off the day with a barbecue at the beach.round | A concert in the park is being organized to round off the programme of events.bebeorganizeeventget it over with/get it over and done with to do something that you have to do now, so that it is finished and you can stop worrying about it: Let’s go and do the shopping now and get it over with.shop | Just tell him how you feel and get it over and done with.dobe done/be through informal if you are done, you have finished – used especially when other people are waiting for you: We’re nearly done.do | We should be through in half an hour.shallbe through with something/be done with something informal to have finished using something – used especially when other people are waiting to use it: I’m done with the file.do | I’ll let you know when I’m through with it.tie up the loose ends to finish dealing with the final details of something, so that is all finished: ‘Is the talk ready?’ ‘I just need to tie up a few loose ends.’beendfinish off phrasal verb1finish something ↔ off to complete the last part of something that you are doing: It’ll take me a couple of hours to finish this job off.hour2finish something ↔ offFINISH/USE ALL OF STH to use or eat all of something, so there is none left: Who finished off the cake?finish3to complete an event, performance, piece of work etc by doing one final thingfinish off withWe’ll finish off with a track from Adam’s new album.finish something ↔ offShe finished off her speech by thanking her sponsors.finishthanksponsorfinish off/finish something ↔ off by doing somethingFinish off by cleaning the monitor and the keyboard.clean4finish somebody/something ↔ offKILL to kill a person or animal when they are already weak or wounded5finish somebody ↔ offKILL to take away all of someone’s strength, energy etc: The walk up the hill really finished me off.finishfinish up phrasal verb1British English informalEVENTUALLY to arrive at a particular place, after going to other places first SYN end up: I took a long holiday in Italy and finished up in Rome.takefinish2British English informal to get into a particular state or situation as the result of what you have done, especially without planning or expecting it SYN end up: He tried to bribe a police officer and finished up in jail.tryfinishfinish up withBrett got into a fight and finished up with a broken wrist.getfinishbreak3finish something ↔ upEATFINISH/USE ALL OF STH to eat or drink all the rest of something, so there is none left: Come on, finish up your drinks!drinkfinish with something/somebody phrasal verb1FINISH DOING STHhave/be finished with something to no longer need to use something: Have you finished with the scissors?finishscissor2have/be finished with somebody to have finished talking to someone or dealing with them, especially when you are angry with them or want to punish them: Don’t go. I haven’t finished with you yet.finish‘When I’m finished with you,’ he said, ‘you’ll be lucky if you’re still alive.’finishsay3to end a romantic or sexual relationship with someone: So I told him I wanted to finish with him.tellwant
finishnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfinishfinishesfinishfinish2 S3 nounWord family1[countable]END the end or last part of something: I was watching the race but I didn’t get to see the finish.bewatchThe day was a disaster from start to finish (=from the beginning until the end).beI won’t walk out – I like to see things through to the finish.winthinga close finish (=an end of a race where two competitors are very close to each other)2a fight to the finishFIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STH a fight or game in which the teams or competitors struggle until one is completely defeated3[uncountable and countable]FLAT the appearance of the surface of an object after it has been painted, polished etc: That table has a beautiful finish.have
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: acuser, from Latin accusare ‘to call someone to explain their actions’, from ad- ‘to’ + causa ‘lawsuit, cause’ Verb form ACCUSEto say that you believe someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something badaccuse somebody of (doing) something
He was accused of murder.beaccuseSmith accused her of lying.accuselieThe professor stands accused of (=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them.standaccusestealideapublish—accuseraccusersaccuser noun [countable]THESAURUSaccuse to say that you believe that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad: Two women have been accused of kidnapping a newborn baby.womanbeaccusekidnap | Are you accusing me of lying?beaccuselieallege /əˈledʒ/ to accuse someone of doing something, although this has not been proved: He alleged that the other man had attacked him first.allegehaveattackcharge if the police charge someone, they officially tell that person that they are believed to be guilty of a crime and that they must go to court: She was charged with murder.bechargeindict American English law to officially accuse someone of a crime so that they will be judged in court under the American legal system: He was indicted on charges of fraud.beindictcharge
adjectiveDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: exactus, past participle of exigere; → EXACT2 1EXACTcompletely correct in every detail:
Police are still investigating the exact cause of the accident.beinvestigateWhat were his exact words?bewordThe timing had to be exact.timehaveexact location/position/spot etcThe exact location of the hostages is unknown.hostagebeexact date/time/number/amount etcI know her birthday’s in July, but I can’t remember the exact date.exact copy/replica etcIt’s not an exact copy, but most people wouldn’t notice the difference.Some concepts in Chinese medicine have no exact equivalent in Western medicine.concept2to be exact formal used to emphasize that what you are saying is exact: She has worked at the bank for many years, nine to be exact.haveworkyear3the exact colour/moment/type etcSAME used to emphasize that the same thing is involved: the exact colour I was looking forbelookHe came into the room at the exact moment I mentioned his name.comementionThat’s the exact same thing my dad said.say4the exact opposite (of somebody/something)OPPOSITE/REVERSE someone or something that is as different as possible from another person or thing: Gina’s the exact opposite of her little sister.5EXACTsomething is not an exact science if you say that an activity is not an exact science, you mean that it involves opinions, guessing etc: Predicting the weather is not an exact science.predictbe6CAREFULsomeone who is exact is very careful and thorough in what they do SYN precise—exactnessexactness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSnounsthe exact amount/number/figure I don’t know the exact amount, but it was a lot.bethe exact size First, cut a piece of wood about 1cm x 10cm – the exact size doesn’t matter.the exact date He plans to retire soon, but the exact date is not fixed.planbefixthe exact time/moment At that exact moment, the phone rang.ringthe exact position/location/spot etc The satellite pictures showed the enemy’s exact location.pictureshowan exact copy/replica (=something which has been made, that is exactly like another thing) The vessel is an exact replica of a Viking longboat.bean exact equivalent (=something that has exactly the same meaning, purpose, value etc as something else) There is no exact equivalent in English for the phrase.bean exact match (=something that is exactly the same as something else) The two DNA samples were an exact match.samplebethe exact details (=details that are correct in every way) Nobody knows the exact details of what happened.knowdetailhappensb’s exact words (=the words someone actually said) Try to remember his exact words – it’s very important.wordthe exact wording (=the words that were used in a letter, speech, etc, with nothing changed) What was the exact wording of the message?bewordphrasesthe exact same thing/way etc informal (=exactly the same thing/way etc) If you’d been there, you’d have done the exact same thing.bedoTHESAURUSexact an exact number, amount, or time is completely correct and is no more and no less than it should be: The exact weight of the baby at birth was 3.2 kg.be | The exact time is 8:16 a.m.beprecise precise information is based on clear and exact figures or measurements, especially when it is important that no mistakes are made: We need to know your precise location. | It’s difficult to be precise about the number of deaths caused by smoking.numbdeathcausesmokeaccurate completely correct because all the details are true: The witness tried to give an accurate description of what she had seen.tryhavesee | accurate financial forecastsforecast
exactverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesexactexactsexactedexactingexactexact2 verb [transitive]Date: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of exigere ‘to drive out, demand, measure’, from agere ‘to drive’ Verb form1formalGET to demand and get something from someone by using threats, force etcexact something from somebody
I exacted a promise from Ros that she wouldn’t say a word.exact2exact revenge (on somebody) if someone exacts revenge, they punish a person who has harmed them: Leonard was determined to exact revenge on his wife’s killer.bedetermine3exact a high/heavy price if something exacts a high or a heavy price, it has a very bad effect on a person or on a situation: The years of conflict have exacted a heavy price.yearexact
noun [countable]1SUGGESTa plan or suggestion which is made formally to an official person or group, or the act of making it → proposeproposal forthe government’s proposals for regulation of the industryproposalproposal to do somethingThe committee put forward a proposal to reduce the time limit.proposal thatThey rejected proposals that the President should be directly elected.rejectproposalshallelect2MARRYwhen you ask someone to marry youmarriage proposal/proposal of marriageShe politely declined his proposal of marriage.declineCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a proposal I'd like to make a proposal.put forward/submit a proposal They put forward a proposal for a joint research project.come up with a proposal (=think of one) The sales staff came up with an innovative proposal.salecomedraw up a proposal A committee of experts drew up proposals for a constitution.expertdrawproposalapprove/accept a proposal The proposal was approved by the committee.beapprovesupport/back a proposal Not one of these organizations supports the government's proposals.organizationsupportproposalreject a proposal Councillors had twice rejected proposals for a new village school.councillorhaverejectproposalconsider a proposal We shall consider their proposals carefully.proposaldiscuss a proposal He had discussed the proposal with the Egyptian president.havediscussvote on a proposal Shareholders will vote on the proposal on May 5.shareholderADJECTIVES/NOUN + proposala detailed proposal They drew up a detailed proposal and submitted it to the Department of Energy.drawdetailsubmita specific/concrete proposal The report will make specific proposals for further investigation.proposalfara research proposal Applicants should submit a short research proposal on their chosen topic.applicantshallchoosea budget/tax proposal (=a budget/tax plan) Criticism of the budget proposals was voiced by the International Monetary Fund.proposalbevoicea peace proposal (=a plan to achieve peace) The Israeli government responded positively to the US peace proposals.respondproposala formal proposal Schools made formal written proposals.schoolmakewriteproposalTHESAURUSsuggestion an idea, plan, or possibility that someone suggests: We welcome any suggestions as to how to improve our service.suggestion | Sally made a few useful suggestions about places we could visit.makesuggestionplacecanproposal a formal or official suggestion: They will consider our proposal at their next meeting.meet | The proposal to build a new airport has finally been rejected.haveberejectrecommendation an official suggestion about what to do, especially one that is contained in a report: The safety board has made some recommendations.havemakerecommendation | The Government decided to accept the recommendation of the Lockwood Report.decide
noun [countable] an official order that prevents something from being used or doneban ona total ban on cigarette advertisingadvertisea call to lift the ban on homosexuals in the military → test banCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + bana complete/total ban They are seeking a complete ban on nuclear testing.beseektestan outright ban (=a complete ban) an outright ban on gun ownershipan international/worldwide/global ban an international ban on trade in endangered speciesendangera blanket ban (=including all possible cases) They imposed a blanket ban on beef products from Europe.imposeproducta lifetime ban He faces a lifetime ban from athletics.facean export/import ban The export ban on live cattle was brought in some years ago.bebringyearan advertising ban Is an advertising ban a denial of freedom of speech?beadvertisea driving ban British English He was given a three-year driving ban and a fine.begivedrivea chemical weapons ban a global chemical weapons banweapona constitutional ban The Republican agenda included a constitutional ban on abortion.includean immediate ban The group has called for an immediate ban on fur farming.havecallfarmverbsput/place/impose a ban The government has imposed an outright ban on fox hunting.haveimposehuntlift a ban They promised to lift the immigration ban.promisecall for a ban French farmers have called for a ban on imports.farmercallimportenforce a ban (=make sure that it is obeyed) New measures must be taken to enforce the ban on guns and knives.measuretakegunknifeface a ban He faced a four-year ban after failing a drugs test.facefaildrug
banverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbanbansbannedbanningbanban2 verb (past tense and past participle banned, present participle banning) [transitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bannan ‘to command people to come’ Verb form FORBIDto say that something must not be done, seen, used etc SYN prohibit OPP allow:
Smoking is banned in the building.smokebebanbuildban somebody from doing somethingCharlie’s been banned from driving for a year.bebandrivea banned substance/drug (=a drug that people competing in a sport are not allowed to take because it improves their performance)—banningbanning noun [uncountable]: the banning of trade unionsbanunionTHESAURUSforbid to tell someone in a very strong way that they must not do something or that something is not allowed: His doctor had strictly forbidden him to drink alcohol.haveforbid | It is forbidden to say such things.beforbidthingnot allow to say that someone must not do or have something, and stop them doing or having it: The company does not allow smoking inside the building.dosmokebuild | Mobile phones are not allowed in school.phonebeallownot let [not in passive] to not allow someone to do something. Not let is more informal than not allow: My parents won’t let me stay out later than 11 o'clock.parentwinlatenot permit [usually passive] if something is not permitted, a rule or law says that you must not do it. Not permit is more formal than not allow: Candidates are not permitted to use dictionaries in this examination.candidatebepermitdictionary | Parking is not permitted here after 8 am.parkbepermitbeban to say officially that people must not do or have something: Parliament decided to ban fox-hunting.decidehunt | The book was banned in many countries.bebancountryprohibit /prəˈhɪbət, prəˈhɪbɪt $ proʊ-/ to say officially that an action is illegal and make a law or rule about this: Acts of vandalism are prohibited.actbeprohibitbar [usually passive] to not allow someone to enter a place or do something, especially by preventing it officially: Foreign journalists were barred from entering the country.journalistbebarenterproscribe formal to say officially that people are not allowed to do something: The law proscribes discrimination in the workplace.proscribe
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bedd 1sleep [uncountable and countable] a piece of furniture that you sleep onin bed
Simon lay in bed thinking.liethinkYou should go to bed early.shallShe got into bed and turned out the light.getturnbefore bed (=before going to bed)Dad has a whisky before bed.have → camp bed, four-poster bed, sofa bed2sex [uncountable] informal used to refer to having sex: I came home and found him in bed with (=having sex with) my best friend.comefindwellHe wanted me to go to bed with him.wantHe’s been trying to get his secretary into bed.betryShe told me he was good in bed (=a skilful lover).tellbe3river/lake/sea [countable] the flat ground at the bottom of a river, lake, or sea: the sea bed4garden [countable] an area of a garden, park etc that has been prepared for plants to grow in: rose bedsrisebed5rock [countable] a layer of rock → bedrock(2)6lowest layer [singular]BOTTOM a layer of something that forms a base that other things are put on top ofbed ofprawns on a bed of lettuceprawn7in river/water [countable] an area at the edge of a river or in deeper water where things grow: an oyster bedThe birds build their nests in reed beds along the river bank.birdnestbed8get out of bed on the wrong side British English, get up on the wrong side of the bed American EnglishBAD-TEMPERED to feel slightly angry or annoyed for no particular reason9not a bed of rosesDIFFICULT not a happy, comfortable, or easy situation: Life isn’t always a bed of roses, you know.rose10you’ve made your bed and you must lie on itACCEPT spoken used to say that you must accept the results of your actions, even if they are bad11put something to bed technical to complete a newspaper, magazine, or book, so that it is ready to be printedCOLLOCATIONSverbsgo to bed What time do you go to bed at night?get into bed/get out of bed I usually read for a bit after I get into bed.biteclimb into bed Lucy climbed into bed and lay awake thinking.climbliethinkcrawl into bed (=get into bed feeling very tired) We finally crawled into bed at three in the morning.crawljump into/out of bed I jumped out of bed and ran over to the window.jumprunget somebody out of bed (=make someone get out of bed) His mother couldn’t get him out of bed in the mornings.morningstay in bed (=not get up early/at the usual time) At the weekend it’s really nice to be able to stay in bed.make the bed (=tidy the sheets and covers after you get up) Don’t forget to make your bed before you go out!change a bed (=put clean sheets on it) You should change the beds at least once a fortnight.shallbedlittleput somebody to bed (=put a child in their bed) I put the baby to bed at 7 o'clock as usual.take to your bed written (=go to bed because you feel ill) Guy had a stomach ache and took to his bed.havetakeadjectivesa single bed (=for one person) There was only a single bed.bea double bed (=a bed for two people) Would you like a double bed or twin beds?willbeda king-size bed (=a very big double bed)a queen-size bed (=a big bed for two people)twin beds (=two single beds in a room)bunk beds (=two single beds joined together one above the other) The kids love sleeping in bunk beds.kidsleepbeda spare bed (=a bed for visitors to your home) Come and stay any time – we have a spare bed.a feather bed (=a bed with feathers in the mattress)phrasesthe foot/head of the bed (=the bottom/top of the bed) I woke up to find someone standing at the foot of the bed.wakestand(it’s) time for bed She sat and sewed until it was time for bed.sitsewbeTHESAURUSthe bottom the lowest part of something: The house is at the bottom of that hill.be | She scrolled down to the bottom of the screen.scrollthe underneath/the underside the bottom surface on the outside of something: You will find the serial number on the underneath of the vacuum cleaner.numbcleanbase the lowest part or the wide bottom part on which something stands: The lamp has a square base.have | He had broken a bone at the base of his spine.havebreakthe foot literary the bottom of a tree, a hill, or some stairs: There was a small village at the foot of the mountain.bebed the ground at the bottom of a river, a lake, or the sea: the sea bed | They found some interesting stones on the river bed.findintereststonethe foundations the layer of cement and stones that forms the bottom of a building: The builders have begun laying the foundations for the house.builderbeginlayfoundation
bedverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesbedbedsbeddedbeddingbedbed2 verb (past tense and past participle bedded, present participle bedding) [transitive]Verb form1ATTACHto fix something firmly and deeply into something elsebed something in somethingThe foundations were bedded in cement.foundationbebed2SEX/HAVE SEX WITH old-fashioned to have sex with someonebed down phrasal verb1to sleep somewhere which is not your bed and where you do not usually sleep: Can I bed down on your sofa?2bed somebody/something ↔ down to make a person or animal comfortable in a place where they do not usually sleep3if a new system or arrangement beds down, problems with it are solved and it gradually starts to work in the way that it shouldbed something ↔ out phrasal verb to put plants into the ground so that they can grow
BEdnounCorpus examplesBEdBEdsBEdBEd
British English, B.Ed.B.Ed.sB.Ed. American English /biː ˈed/ noun [countable] (Bachelor of Education) a first university degree in education
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hol 1space in something solidHOLE an empty space in something solidhole in
There was a huge hole in the road.beI began digging a hole for the plant.begindig ► Do not say there is a hole 'on' something. Say there is a hole in something.2space something can go through a space in something solid that allows light or things to pass throughhole inThey climbed through a hole in the fence.climbThese socks are full of holes.sockbeholebullet holes (=made by bullets)hole3empty placeHOLE a place where someone or something should be, but is missinghole inTheir departure will leave a gaping hole in Grand Prix racing.gaperace4weak part a weak part or fault in something such as an idea or plan: The theory is full of holes.beholehole inIf you have holes in your game, work on them.hole5animal’s homeHOME the home of a small animal: a rabbit hole6unpleasant place informalUNPLEASANT an unpleasant place: I’ve got to get out of this hole.get7golf a)a hole in the ground that you try to get the ball into in the game of golf b)one part of a golf course with this kind of hole at one end8hole in one when someone hits the ball in golf from the starting place into the hole with only one hit9make a hole in something informalUSE A PERSON to use a large part of an amount of money, food etc: Holidays can make a big hole in your savings.holidaysaving10be in a holePROBLEMSERIOUS SITUATION informal to be in a difficult situation11be in the hole American English spoken to owe money: I was something like $16,000 in the hole already.be12need/want something like a hole in the head spokenNEED used to say that you definitely do not need or want something: I need this conversation like a hole in the head. → ace in the hole at ace1(7), → black hole, → square peg in a round hole at square1(12), → watering holeTHESAURUShole an empty space in the surface of something, which sometimes goes all the way through it: A fox had dug a hole under our fence.havedig | Rain was coming in through a hole in the roof.becomespace an empty area between two things, into which you can put something: Are there any empty spaces on the bookshelf?bespace | a parking spaceparkgap an empty area between two things or two parts of something, especially one that should not be there: He has a gap between his two front teeth.havetooth | I squeezed through a gap in the hedge.squeezeopening a hole that something can pass through or that you can see through, especially at the entrance of something: The train disappeared into the dark opening of the tunnel.disappearopen | I looked through the narrow opening in the wall.lookopenleak a small hole where something has been damaged or broken that lets liquid or gas flow in or out: a leak in the pipe | The plumber's coming to repair the leak.comepuncture especially British English a small hole in a tyre through which air escapes: My bike's got a puncture.getcrack a very narrow space between two things or two parts of something: The snake slid into a crack in the rock.slide | She was peering through the crack in the curtains.bepeercurtainslot a straight narrow hole that you put a particular type of object into: You have to put a coin in the slot before you dial the number.numb | A small disk fits into a slot in the camera.fitcrater a round hole in the ground made by an explosion or by a large object hitting it hard: a volcanic crater | The meteor left a crater over five miles wide.leavemil | the craters on the mooncraterto make a hole in something make a hole in something to cause a hole to appear in something: Make a hole in the bottom of the can using a hammer and nail.usepierce to make a small hole in or through something, using a pointed object: The dog's teeth had pierced her skin.toothhavepierce | Shelley wanted to have her ears pierced (=for earrings).wantearpierceprick to make a very small hole in the surface of something, using a pointed object: Prick the potatoes before baking them.potatobake | My finger was bleeding where the needle had pricked it.bebleedhaveprickpunch to make a hole through paper or flat material using a metal tool or other sharp object: I bought one of those things for punching holes in paper.buythingpunchhole | You have to get your ticket punched before you get on the train.punchpuncture to make a small hole in something, especially something where skin or a wall surrounds a softer or hollow inside part: The bullet had punctured his lung.havepunctureperforate formal to make a hole or holes in something: Fragments of the bullet had perforated his intestines.fragmenthaveperforateintestinedrill to make a hole using a special tool, often one which turns round and round very quickly: The dentist started drilling a hole in my tooth.startdrill | They won a contract to drill for oil in the area.winbore to make a deep round hole through a rock, into the ground etc: They had to bore through solid rock.havebear | The men were boring a hole for the tunnel.manbebore
holeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesholeholesholedholingholehole2 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] to hit the ball into a hole in golf: He holed the putt with ease.hole2be holedHOLE if a ship is holed, something makes a hole in ithole out phrasal verb to hit the ball into a hole in golfhole up (also be holed upbe holed up) phrasal verb informal HIDE/MAKE IT HARD TO FIND OR SEEto hide somewhere for a period of timehole up in/with/atThe gunmen are still holed up in the town.gunmanbehole
verb [intransitive, transitive not in progressive]Word familyVerb form1NOTICEif you notice something or someone, you realize that they exist, especially because you can see, hear, or feel them: He noticed a woman in a black dress sitting across from him.noticesitI didn’t notice any smoke.Have you noticed any change in him?noticenotice (that)I noticed that her hands were shaking.noticehandbeshakeHe never seems to notice when people take advantage of him.seemnotice who/what/how etcShe hadn’t noticed before quite how grey his hair was.noticebenotice somebody/something doing somethingDid you notice him leaving the party early?doleave2be noticed/get (somebody) noticed to get attention, or to make someone get attention: These clothes will get you noticed and enhance your image.clothenotice3somebody can’t help noticing something (also somebody can’t help but notice something) if someone can’t help noticing something, they realize that it exists or is happening even though they are not deliberately trying to pay attention to it: I couldn’t help noticing the bruises on her arm.noticebruiseTHESAURUSnotice to realize that something is there or that something is happening, because you can see, hear, or feel it: I noticed that he was rather quiet during dinner.noticebe | Children don’t seem to notice the cold.child | ‘Julie’s home.’ ‘Yes, I noticed her bicycle outside.’noticedetect to notice something that is difficult to see, hear etc because it is very small, faint, or unclear. Detect is used about people and machines, and is more formal than notice: X-ray telescopes can now detect virtually every type of astronomical object.telescope | He thought he detected a flicker of interest in her eyes.thinkdetecteyespot to notice something, especially something that is difficult to see or that you see for a short time only. Spot is more informal than notice: Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?picture | I’m glad you spotted the mistake before it was too late.spotbebecome aware/conscious to gradually begin to notice that something is happening or is true: I became aware that Mum was getting a lot older.becomebegetold | Tessa became conscious of a feeling of guilt.becomefeelcan tell to be able to notice something because you can see, smell, hear it etc: I could tell that she had been drinking.canhavebedrink | Can you tell I've lost weight?losesomething/somebody catches your eye used to say that you suddenly notice something or someone because they are interesting, attractive, or good at something: I saw this shirt in the shop window and it just caught my eye.seecatch | Clarke caught the eye of boss Bryan Robson when he scored for Newry last week.catchscoreobserve formal to notice something as a result of watching or studying it closely: Psychologists observed that the mice became more aggressive in smaller cages.psychologistobservemousebecomesmallcageperceive formal to notice something, especially that something is happening, or is true, or needs to be done: The company quickly perceived the need for change.perceive | Doctors perceive that they do not have adequate time to spend with their patients.doctorpatientwitness to see something happen because you are there at the time: People have witnessed some great economic changes during the last ten years.witnesschangeyearmiss to not notice something because it is difficult to see: It’s easy to miss the entrance – the sign is hidden behind a tree.behide
noticenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesnoticenoticesnoticenotice2 S2 W2 noun
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: Latin notitia ‘knowledge, familiarity’, from notus ‘known’ 1attentionNOTICE [uncountable] when you notice or pay attention to someone or something:
I waved but they took no notice.wavetakenot take any/much notice (of something)I did not take much notice of her suggestions.dosuggestionI hope you’ll take notice of what I’m going to tell you.goThis problem may have escaped your notice so far (=you may not have noticed it).escapeThis never came to my notice (=I never knew about this).comeThere are several important matters that I’d like to bring to your notice (=that I would like you to know about).bematter2on paper [countable] a written or printed statement that gives information or a warning to people → sign: The notice on the wall said ‘No smoking’.saysmokeI’ll put up a notice about the meeting.meetobituary notices (=about people who have just died) in the newspapernotice3time to prepare [uncountable]WARN information or a warning about something that is going to happen → warningwithout noticeThese rules are subject to change without notice.rulebesufficient/reasonable noticeThey didn’t give me sufficient notice.advance/prior noticeWhen you’re on the mailing list, you’ll receive advance notice of upcoming events.maileventten days’/three months’ etc notice (=a warning ten days etc before)They closed the factory, giving the workers only a week’s notice.closegiveworkerFirefighters were prepared to rush out at a moment’s notice.firefighterbepreparenotice ofhis failure to give notice of his intention to alter the propertynotice to do somethingI’ve been given notice to quit my flat (=I have been told that I must leave by a certain date).begiveUnion members served strike notice (=warned that they would go on strike) late last night.memberserve4until further noticeNOW from now until another change is announced: The office is closed until further notice.beclosefar5hand in your notice/give (your) noticeLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to tell your employer that you will be leaving your job soon SYN resign: Jim gave notice on Thursday.give6at short notice British English, on short notice American English if you do something at short notice, you do not have very much time to prepare for it: The trip was planned on short notice.beplanThanks for agreeing to see me at such short notice.thankagreea cancellation at very short notice7book/play etc [countable usually plural] a statement of opinion, especially one written for a newspaper or magazine, about a new play, book, film etc SYN review: The new play got mixed notices (=some good, some bad) in the newspapers.getmixnoticenewspaper → sit up (and take notice) at sit up(5)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbstake notice (=pay attention to something) I began to take notice when the subject of money came up.begincometake no notice/not take any notice (=ignore something or someone) The other passengers took no notice of what was happening.passengertakebehappencome to sb’s notice (=be noticed by someone) This problem first came to our notice last summer.comeescape sb’s notice (=not be noticed by someone) It had not escaped his notice that Phil seemed interested in Jean.haveescapeseeminterestbring something to sb’s notice (=tell someone about something) It has been brought to my notice that employees are smoking in the restrooms.havebebringemployeebesmokeattract notice (=be noticed by other people) She didn’t want to attract notice, so she dressed very plainly.dressCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbsgive notice To withdraw money from this type of savings account, you must give the bank 30 days’ notice.savingdayserve notice formal (=warn someone about something) They have served notice that they intend to take legal action against the company.servehave/receive notice If I’d had more notice, I could have done a better job.havecandowellneed notice (also require notice formal) The company requires a month’s notice of any holiday time you would like to take.requirewilladjectivesadvance notice (also prior notice formal) (=given before an event) We had no advance notice of the attack.havereasonable notice (=an amount that is considered to be fair to everyone) Did you receive reasonable notice of the court case?doten days’/three months’/five minutes’ etc notice His contract said he must give three months’ notice if he decides to leave the job.saymonthdecideno notice We received no notice of the changes.receivechangephrasesat short notice (=without much time to prepare) Thank you for coming to help at such short notice.comeat a moment’s notice (=very quickly) He’d be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.without notice Trains may be cancelled without notice.traincanceluntil further notice (=from now until you are told something else) On the door was a sign: ‘Library closed until further notice’.beclosefarnotice to quit British English (=a warning that you must leave the house or flat where you live by a particular date) The new owner gave all the tenants notice to quit.givetenant
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old North French
Origin: tasque, from Medieval Latin tasca ‘tax or service to be done for a ruler’, from taxare ‘to tax’ 1JOB/TASK[countable] a piece of work that must be done, especially one that is difficult or unpleasant or that must be done regularly SYN jobtask of
The task of the union representative is to fight on behalf of the members.bememberSara had the task of preparing the agenda for meetings.havepreparemeetingI was given the task of building a fire.begivebuildthe skills required to carry out these tasksskillrequiretaskHe soon realized the scale of the task he had undertaken.realizehaveundertakeOur first task is to gather information.beMonkeys can be taught to do simple tasks.monkeyteachtaskThey have the unenviable task of supervising the most dangerous prison in the country.superviseVolunteers had the thankless task of distributing campaign leaflets.volunteerhavedistributeleafletTrying to bring up a small daughter on your own is no easy task.trybeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say job rather than task:I was given the job of building the fire.begivebuild2take someone to taskDISAPPROVE to strongly criticize somebody for something they have donetake someone to task forHe was taken to task for not reporting the problem earlier.betakereportearlyCOLLOCATIONSverbshave the task of doing something He had the task of judging the competition.havejudgecarry out/perform/do a task I don't think we have enough resources to carry out this task.resourceset/give somebody a task I was given the task of writing the chairman's speech.begivewritetake on/undertake a task No-one else is willing to take on the task.bewillassign a task (=give someone a task to do) People were assigned different tasks.beassigntaska task faces somebody Given the nature of the task facing us, three days might not be enough.givefacedayadjectivesimpossible She may argue that the task is impossible.besimple The children help with simple tasks like carrying in water or logs for the fire.childtaskcarrylogdifficult The task of selecting just five candidates is difficult.selectcandidatebesomebody's first/main task Their first task was to rebuild the wall.bea thankless task (=a difficult but necessary job) Driving a bus in London must be a pretty thankless task.drivea formidable/daunting task (=very difficult) Achieving these targets will be a formidable task.achievetargetan unenviable task (=unpleasant or difficult) He has the unenviable task of telling hungry people that there is no food.havetellbean arduous task (=needing a lot of effort and hard work) We began the arduous task of carrying the furniture to the top floor.begincarryphrasessomething is not an easy task something is no easy task (=something is difficult) Recruiting experienced people is no easy task nowadays.recruitexperiencebe
taskverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestasktaskstaskedtaskingtasktask2 AC verb [transitive usually passive]Verb form to give someone the responsibility for doing somethingbe tasked with (doing) somethingWe were tasked with completing the job by the end of 2006.betaskcomplete
verbDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: reducere ‘to lead back’, from ducere ‘to lead’ Verb form1[transitive]REDUCE to make something smaller or less in size, amount, or price SYN cut → reduction:
The governor announced a new plan to reduce crime.announceThe helmet law should reduce injuries in motorcycle accidents.shallinjuryaccidentSmall businesses will need to reduce costs in order to survive.businesscostreduce something by somethingThe workforce has been reduced by half.havebereducereduce something (from something) to somethingAll the shirts were reduced to £10.shirtbereduceThe new bridge should reduce travelling time from 50 minutes to 15 minutes.shalltravelminuteminute2[intransitive and transitive] if you reduce a liquid, or if it reduces, you boil it so that there is less of it3[intransitive] especially American English to become thinner by losing weight → diet4be in reduced circumstances old-fashionedPOOR to be poorer than you were beforeCOLLOCATIONSadverbsgreatly/substantially/considerably reduce He has greatly reduced the political power of the armed forces.havereducearmforcesignificantly reduce Their symptoms were significantly reduced.symptombereducedramatically/drastically reduce They are committed to drastically reducing the size and cost of government.becommitreducesharply reduce Medical progress has sharply reduced death rates.havereducerategradually reduce The aim is to gradually reduce the number of troops in the area.benumbtroopTHESAURUSto reduce prices, numbers, or amountsreduce to make the price, amount, or size of something less or smaller: The price was reduced by 50%.bereduce | We need to reduce the amount of salt in our diet.cut to reduce something, especially by a large amount – used about prices, costs, jobs, or the time needed to do something: Companies are always looking for ways to cut costs.companybelookwaycost | The journey time will be cut to under 2 hours.hour | Staff numbers have been cut by half to about 150.numberbelower to reduce the level, limit, or amount of something. Lower sounds rather formal: The voting age was lowered to 18.votebelower | The government decided to lower interest rates by 0.5%.decidelowrate | After twenty minutes, lower the temperature to 150 degrees.minutelowdegreebring something down to reduce something such as prices or costs, or reduce the level of something. Bring something down is less formal than lower: The government wants to bring down the level of inflation.want | The company is trying to bring its costs down.betrycostslash informal to reduce an amount or price by a very large amount – used especially in newspapers and advertisements: Public spending has been slashed over the past two years.spendhavebeslashyear | Prices slashed for one week only!priceslashcut something back to reduce the amount of something – used especially about people deciding to spend less, do less, or use less of something: The education budget has been cut back again.havebe | I need to cut back on my workload.downsize to reduce the number of people employed in order to reduce costs – used about a company or organization: The company is planning to downsize its European operations.beplanoperationscale something down/back to reduce the size or the amount of money that is being spent on something: The research programme has been scaled down.havebescale | The navy is being scaled down.bebescalerelieve/ease to make pain or feelings less unpleasant: The drug is used to relieve pain.beuse | A joke can help to ease the tension.alleviate formal to reduce pain or suffering, or make a problem less serious: You can buy various medicines to alleviate the symptoms of flu.medicinesymptom | The new road was supposed to alleviate the congestion problem.besupposereduce somebody/something to something phrasal verb1reduce somebody to tears/silence etcFORCE SB TO DO STH to make someone cry, be silent etc: She was reduced to tears in front of her students.bereducetearstudent2reduce somebody to doing somethingFORCE SB TO DO STH to make someone do something they would rather not do, especially when it involves behaving or living in a way that is not as good as before: Eventually Charlotte was reduced to begging on the streets.bereducebegstreet3reduce something to ashes/rubble/ruinsDESTROY to destroy something, especially a building, completely: A massive earthquake reduced the city to rubble.reduce4REDUCEto change something into a shorter simpler form: Many jobs can be reduced to a few simple points.jobreducepoint
preposition, adverbLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: begeondan, from geondan ‘beyond’, from geond; YONDER 1FARon or to the further side of something:
They crossed the mountains and headed for the valleys beyond.crossmountainheadvalleyBeyond the river, cattle were grazing.begrazeShe drove through Westport, and stopped a few miles beyond at a wayside inn.drivestopmilRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say on the other side of something rather than use the preposition beyond:People waited on the other side of the barrier.wait2AFTERlater than a particular time, date etc SYN after: What changes await us in the coming year and beyond?changecomeThe ban has been extended beyond 2003.havebeextendThe disco went on until beyond midnight.go3more or greater than a particular amount, level, or limit: More people are choosing to work beyond retirement age.bechooseInflation has risen beyond the 5% level.haverise4outside the range or limits of something or someone: Such tasks are far beyond the scope of the average schoolkid.taskbeexpensive luxuries that are beyond the reach of ordinary peopleluxurybe5used to say that something is impossible to dobeyond repair/control/belief etc (=impossible to repair, control, believe etc)Scott’s equipment was damaged beyond repair.bedamageThe town centre had changed beyond all recognition.havechangeDue to circumstances beyond our control, the performance has had to be cancelled.circumstancehavehavecancel6be beyond somebody to be too difficult for someone to understand: The whole problem was quite beyond him.beWhy Joan ever married such an idiot in the first place is beyond me.marrybe7used to mean ‘except’ in negative sentences: Fred owns nothing beyond the clothes on his back.ownclothe
beyondnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesbeyondbeyondsbeyondbeyond2 noun the beyond literaryDIE whatever comes after this life
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: chaiere, from Latin cathedra, from Greek, from kata- ( → CATACLYSM) + hedra ‘seat’
1 [countable] a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, which has a back, a seat, and four legs: a kitchen chairThey bought a new table and chairs.buychairOne of the chair legs was broken.legbebreakon/in a chairShe was sitting on a wooden chair.besitHe sat back in his chair.sit2[singular]IN CHARGE OF the position of being in charge of a meeting or committee, or the person who is in charge of it: Address your questions to the chair, please.questionbe in the chairWho will be in the chair at tomorrow’s meeting?meetchair ofHe was nominated as chair of the board of governors.benominategovernor3[countable] the position of being a university professorchair ofa new Chair of Medicine4the chair American English informal the electric chairCOLLOCATIONSverbssit in/on a chair She sat in her favourite chair.sitpull/draw up a chair (=move a chair nearer someone or something) Pull up a chair and look at these pictures.picturetake a chair (=sit down in one in a particular place) Brian took a chair beside his wife.takelean back in your chair He leant back in his chair and took out his pipe.leantakesink/slump/flop into a chair (=sit down in one in a tired or unhappy way) Greg groaned and sank into his chair.groansinkcollapse in/into a chair (=sit down suddenly because you are very tired or upset) Eileen collapsed into a chair and burst out crying.collapsecryget up from your chair (also rise from your chair formal) He got up from his chair and walked to the window.getwalkjump up from your chair (=get up quickly) ‘Look at the time!’ she cried, jumping up from her chair.cryjumppush back your chair (=in order to get up) He pushed back his chair and stood up.pushstandlounge in a chair (=sit in one in a very relaxed way) Everyone was outside, lounging in chairs in the sun.beloungechairadjectivesa comfortable chair (also a comfy chair informal) The hotel had a TV room with some nice comfy chairs.havechaira hard chair (=not comfortable) I sat on a hard chair in the corridor and waited.sitwaitan empty chair (=with no one using it) She came and sat in an empty chair beside me.comesita wooden/plastic/leather etc chair In the kitchen was a table with six wooden chairs around it.bechaira folding chair (=one which you can fold so it is flat) People were sitting on blankets or folding chairs, listening to the outdoor concert.besitblanketfoldchairlistenchair + NOUNa chair leg/arm/back/seat The chair leg has broken.havebreak
chairverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleschairchairschairedchairingchairchair2 verb [transitive]Verb form IN CHARGE OFto be the chairperson of a meeting or committee: The inquiry was chaired by a judge.bechair
noun [countable]1an offer to pay a particular price for something, especially at an auctionbid forThey put in a bid for the house.the person who places the highest bidplacehighWe’ve made a bid of nearly £400 million for the company.makeA takeover bid for the airline was launched today.belaunch2an offer to do work or provide services for a specific pricebid forrival bids for the cleaning contractbidclean3TRY TO DO OR GET STHan attempt to achieve or obtain somethingbid fora bid for powera bid to do somethinga desperate bid to free herself from a loveless marriage4a statement of how many points you hope to win in a card gameCOLLOCATIONSverbsput in a bid A big property developer has put in a bid for the land.haveplace a bid The gallery placed the highest bid of $2.5 million.placehighmake a bid Paramount made a bid for the film rights to the book.makerightaccept a bid The auctioneer may refuse to accept any bid below a certain price.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + bid a high/low bid There were several high bids for the painting.bebidpaintan opening bid (=the first bid) The opening bid was only $10.openbea final bid The unknown man was successful with a final bid of £9,500.bea takeover bid (=an offer to buy another company) Staff are afraid that the takeover bid will threaten some of their jobs.bejoba hostile bid (=an offer to buy another company that does not want to be bought) Airtours launched a £221m hostile bid for Owners Abroad.launchowner
bidverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbidbidsbadebiddenbiddingbidbid2 verb (past tense and past participle bid, present participle bidding)Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to offer to pay a particular price for goods, especially in an auctionbid (somebody) something for somethingShe bid £100 for a Victorian chair.What am I bid for lot 227? Shall we start at $500?bebid againstThe two men ended up bidding against each other at the auction.manendbid2[intransitive] to offer to do work or provide services for a specific price, in competition with other offersbid forThree firms bid for the contract on the new buildings.firmbuilding3[intransitive and transitive] to say how many points you think you will win in a game of cards
bidverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesbidbidsbadebiddenbiddingbidbid3 verb (past tense bade /bæd, beɪd/ or bid, past participle bid or bidden /ˈbɪdn/, present participle bidding) literaryVerb form1bid somebody good afternoon/good morning etcSAY to greet someone2[transitive]TELL/ORDER SB TO DO STH to order or tell someone what to dobid somebody (to) do somethingThe queen bade us enter.bid
verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: extendere, from tendere ‘to stretch’ Verb form1time [intransitive + adverb/preposition,transitive]LONG TIME to continue for a longer period of time, or to make something last longer:
Management have agreed to extend the deadline.agreeextend for/into/over etcSome of our courses extend over two years.courseyearextend something for/by/until somethingThe government has extended the ban on the import of beef until June.haveextend2area/distance [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]DISTANCE to continue for a particular distance or over a particular areaacross/over/through etcThe River Nile extends as far south as Lake Victoria.extendextend 100 km/30 yards etc (from something)The shelf extends 20 cms from the bookcase.extend3size [transitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to make a room, building, road etc bigger or longer: We plan to extend the kitchen by six feet.foot4include/affect a)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]POWER to affect or include people, things, or placesextend to/beyond etcMy duties at the school extend beyond just teaching.dutyteachThe vote was extended to all women aged 21 and over in 1928.beextendwomanage b)[transitive] to make something affect more people, situations, areas etc than before: British Coal is planning to extend its operations in Wales.beplanoperationextend something to somebody/somethingWe can extend our insurance cover to travel abroad.5offer help/thanks [transitive] formalOFFER to officially offer someone help, sympathy, thanks etcextend something to somebodyWe’d like to extend a warm welcome to our French visitors.visitorI’d like to extend my thanks to all the catering staff.thankcaterThe Coroner extended his sympathy to the victim’s family.extendThe Headteacher has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit the school.haveextendThe banks have decided to extend credit to the company (=allow them to borrow more money).bankdecide6arms/legs [transitive]REACH to stretch out a hand or leg: George extended his hand (=offered to shake hands).extend7continue winning [transitive] to increase the number of points, games etc by which one person or team is ahead of other competitors: Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.uniteextendpoint8furniture [intransitive and transitive] if a table or ladder extends, it can be made longer → fold
noun
Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: crédit, from Italian, from Latin creditum ‘something given to someone to keep safe, loan’, from credere; → CREDENCE 1DELAYED PAYMENTdelayed payment [uncountable]PAY FOR an arrangement with a shop, bank etc that allows you to buy something and pay for it lateron credit
Most new cars are bought on credit.carbebuyThe store agreed to let him have credit.agreeWhat’s the credit limit on your Visa card?2praise [uncountable]PRAISE approval or praise that you give to someone for something they have donecredit forCredit for this win goes to everybody in the team.goThey never give Gene any credit for all the extra work he does.dotake/claim/deserve etc (the) creditShe deserves credit for trying her best.deservetrywellto sb’s credit (=used to say that someone has done something good)To Jamie’s credit, he remained calm.remainCredit must go to Fiona for making sure everything ran smoothly.makerun3be a credit to somebody/something (also do somebody/something credit)BEHAVE to behave so well or be so successful that your family, team etc are proud of you: She’s a credit to her profession.Your children really do you credit.child4have something to your creditDO to have achieved something: She already has two successful novels to her credit.havenovel5in credit if you are in credit, there is money in your bank account: There are no bank charges if you stay in credit.becharge6FILMthe credits [plural] a list of all the people involved in making a film or television programme, which is shown at the beginning or end of it7on the credit sideGOOD POINT OR CHARACTERISTIC used to talk about the good things about someone or something: On the credit side, the book is extremely well researched.beresearch8(give) credit where credit is due used to say that someone deserves to be praised for the good things they have done9universityUNIVERSITY [countable] a successfully completed part of a course at a university or college: I don’t have enough credits to graduate.credit10amount of money [countable] an amount of money that is put into someone’s bank account or added to another amount OPP debit: The company promised to provide credits to customers who had been charged too much.promisecreditcustomerhavebecharge11true/correctTRUE/CORRECT [uncountable]TRUE the belief that something is true or correct: The witness’s story gained credit with the jury.gainCOLLOCATIONSverbsbuy/get something on credit They bought all their furniture on credit.buyuse credit The survey showed only 15% of people had never used credit.showhaveuseget/obtain credit (=be allowed to buy something on credit) The economic situation is making it more difficult for people to get credit.bemakegive/offer credit (=allow customers to buy things on credit) A business may lose customers if it does not give credit.customerdorefuse somebody credit You may be refused credit if you have a bad financial record.refusecredit + NOUNa credit card (=a plastic card that you use to buy things and pay for them later) Can I pay by credit card?credit facilities (=the opportunity to buy something on credit) Credit facilities are available if you are over 18.facilitybebea credit agreement (=an arrangement to allow or receive credit) People sometimes sign credit agreements and then realize they can’t afford the payments.agreementpaymentcredit terms (=how much you must pay back and when) The credit terms were a deposit of £1,000 and two later instalments of £900.termbelateinstalmentsb’s credit rating (=how likely a bank etc thinks someone is to pay their debts) If you have a poor credit rating, you will have a hard time getting a mortgage.rategeta credit risk (=a risk that a bank etc may not get back the money it lends) Banks first have to assess whether a borrower is a credit risk.bankbea credit limit (=the most someone can spend using credit) I have a Visa card with a £1,000 credit limit.a credit crunch/squeeze (=a situation in which people are not allowed as much credit as before) Due to a credit squeeze, interest rates rose.rateriseADJECTIVES/NOUN + creditconsumer credit (=the amount of credit used by consumers) Consumer credit has risen substantially during this period.haveriseinterest-free credit (=with no interest added to it) We offer interest-free credit for up to 50 weeks.weekTHESAURUSloan noun [countable] an amount of money that is borrowed, especially from a bank or company, which you agree to pay back by the end of a period of time: We took out a loan to buy a new car.take | He is paying back a $50,000 loan.bepaymortgage noun [countable] a large amount of money that someone borrows from a bank or company to buy a house: Nick told me the mortgage on his apartment is worth about $90,000.tellbe | Anyone taking out a mortgage should be aware that interest rates can go up at any time.takeshallrate | It took my parents nearly thirty years to pay off their mortgage.takeparentyearinterest noun [uncountable] money that you pay for borrowing money, especially that you pay every year or every month at a fixed rate: Credit companies charge huge amounts of interest.companyamount | What’s the interest on the loan?overdraft noun [countable] British English the amount of money that you owe to bank when you have spent more money than you had in your account: I left university with no job and a big overdraft.leave | 20% of the bank’s customers regularly use their overdraft facility.customer | You have to pay a fee for unauthorized overdrafts.overdraftdebt noun [uncountable and countable] an amount of money that a person or organization owes: The company now has debts of almost £2 million.havedebt | A lot of the money went towards paying his debts.gopaydebt | The family were $100,000 in debt (=they owed $100,000).becredit noun [uncountable] an arrangement with a shop or bank that allows you to buy something and pay for it later: We bought the furniture on credit.buy | He had a credit limit of £7,000.have
creditverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescreditcreditscreditedcreditingcreditcredit2 AC verb [transitive not in progressive]Verb form1to add money to a bank account OPP debitcredit toThe cheque has been credited to your account.havebecreditcredit withFor some reason my account’s been credited with an extra $76.becredit2credit somebody with (doing) somethingGOOD POINT OR CHARACTERISTIC to believe or admit that someone has a quality, or has done something good: Do credit me with a little intelligence!Evans is credited with inventing the system.becreditinvent3be credited to somebody/somethingDO if something is credited to someone or something, they have achieved it or are the reason for it: Much of Manchester United’s success can be credited to their manager.unitecredit4BELIEVE formal to believe that something is truedifficult/hard/impossible etc to creditWe found his statement hard to credit.find
noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: purpos, from purposer ‘to intend’, from Latin proponere; → PROPOUND 1[countable]PURPOSE the purpose of something is what it is intended to achievepurpose of
The purpose of this meeting is to elect a new chairman.meetbeWhat is the purpose of your visit?bethe purpose of doing somethingThe purpose of conducting a business is to make money.conductbefor the purpose of doing somethingTroops were sent solely for the purpose of assisting refugees.troopbesendassistrefugeefor medical/political/decorative etc purposesIt should be legitimate to use cannabis for medical purposes.shallpurposesole/primary/main etc purposeThe protection of children is the primary purpose of this legislation.childbeserve a purpose (=achieve something)It would serve no useful purpose to re-open the investigation.will2[countable] a plan or aim: Nick had no particular purpose in mind when he started.havestartsb’s purpose in doing somethingAttending the race was not my purpose in coming to Indianapolis.attendbecomewith the purpose of doing somethingHe came here with the purpose of carrying out the attack.comecarry3for ... purposes in a particular situation or when being considered in a particular way: For tax purposes, you will be treated as a married couple.purposetreatmarryThe details are, for the present purposes, irrelevant.detailbepurposefor the purposes of somethingFor the purposes of this book, America is taken to include the continent north of Mexico.purposebetake4on purposeDELIBERATELY deliberatelydo something on purposeYou make it sound as if I did it on purpose!do5feeling [uncountable]PURPOSE a feeling of determination to achieve things in life: It’s so important to have a sense of purpose that it underlies human happiness.underlieMy football career was over and I had no purpose in life.behaveHe possessed great strength of purpose.possess6for all practical purposes (also to all intents and purposes)ALMOST used to say that something is so close to the truth that it can be considered to be the truth: The war, to all intents and purposes, was over.intentpurposebeWe have a Secretary of State for Scotland who is for all practical purposes a Scottish Prime Minister.bepurpose7serve its purposeUSEFUL if something has served its purpose, it has done what you needed it to do: We delete the data once it has served its purpose.datumhaveserve8defeat the purpose to fail to achieve the result you want: Anxiety will cause tension, which defeats the purpose of the exercise (=the activity or plan).defeat9to no purpose formalRESULT without any useful results: She called after them, but to no purpose.call10to the purpose old-fashionedUSEFUL useful or helpful → purposely, cross-purposesCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivesthe main/primary purpose The main purpose of our trip to Arran was to see golden eagles.beeaglethe sole purpose I used to bake cakes for the sole purpose of giving them away.usecakegivethe real purpose What was the real purpose of their visit?bethe whole purpose (=used for emphasis) The whole purpose of running a business is to make money.runbesth’s original purpose The building is no longer needed for its original purpose.buildbelongneeda useful purpose Nuclear weapons serve no useful purpose and should be banned.weaponshallbana practical purpose These materials are too fine to have a practical purpose in daily life.materialbea dual purpose (=two purposes) A dog can fulfil a dual purpose by providing both company and security.providea common purpose (=one that people share) We were bound together by a common purpose.bebinda specific/particular purpose Training is the acquisition of knowledge and skills for a specific purpose.trainbeskillphrasesfor political/military/educational/medicinal etc purposes This technology could be used for military purposes.canusepurposefor business/research etc purposes About one in five of all trips are made for business purposes.tripbemakepurposeverbshave a purpose A meeting should have a clear purpose.meetshallserve/fulfil a purpose (=be used in a particular way) The building must have served a religious purpose.buildserve | Many old school buildings are no longer suitable for fulfilling their original purpose.buildingbelongfulfilachieve your purpose (=achieve what you wanted to achieve) She had achieved her purpose, at least in part.haveachievelittleTHESAURUSpurpose the reason you do something, and the thing you want to achieve when you do it: What is the purpose of your visit to England?be | The plant is used for medicinal purposes.beusepurposeaim what you want to achieve when you do something: The main aims of the project are as follows.aimbefollow | Their ultimate aim is to find a cure for cancer.begoal something that you hope to achieve in the future, even though this may take a long time: It took Mandela over forty years to achieve his goal of a democratic South Africa.takeyear | the goal of ending child povertyendobjective something that you are working hard to achieve, especially in business or politics: The bank achieved its objective of increasing its share of the market.achieveincrease | The government’s long-term objective is to cut CO2 emissions by 50%.beemissionthe object of something formal the specific purpose of an activity: The object of the game is to get as many points as possible.bepoint | The students will benefit, and that must be the object of the exercise (=the main thing that you are trying to do).studentthe point the purpose of doing something and the reason why it is right or necessary: At fourteen, I couldn’t see the point of going to school.go | What’s the point in waiting? (=I don’t think it is useful or necessary)waitintention the purpose that you have in your mind when you do something: He kept his real intentions well hidden.keepintentionhide | Although we made a lot of money, this wasn’t our original intention.makeends the result that someone is trying to achieve – used especially when you disapprove of what someone is doing: They are using religion for political ends.beuseend | The ends do not justify the means (=you should not use violence, cruelty, dishonest behaviour etc to achieve your aims).endmean
verb (past tense and past participle focused or focussed, present participle focusing or focussing)
Date: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: ‘hearth (= place for a fire in a house)’ Verb form1give attention to something [intransitive and transitive]ATTENTION to give special attention to one particular person or thing, or to make people do this SYN concentratefocus on
He needs to focus more on his career.needfocus your attention/mind/efforts on somethingShe tried to focus her mind on her work.tryfocus (sb’s) mind/attention (on something) (=make people give their attention to something)We need to focus public attention on this issue.2camera/telescope [intransitive and transitive] to point a camera or telescope at something, and change the controls slightly so that you can see that thing clearlyfocus onShe turned the camera and focussed on Martin’s face.turnfocusfocus something on somethingHe focused his binoculars on the building opposite.focusbuild3eyes [intransitive and transitive] if your eyes focus, or if you focus your eyes, you look at something and can see it clearlyfocus onAll eyes focussed on her.eyefocusHis eyes were focussed straight ahead.eyebefocus4light [transitive] if you focus beams of light, you aim them onto a particular place
focusnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfocusfocusesfocusfocus2 S3 W2 AC noun1[singular]SUBJECT the thing, person, situation etc that people pay special attention to → focal: The focus of recent research has been on environmental issues.havebeissuefocus ofThe war in Afghanistan had become the focus of media attention.havemediumThe focus of interest in the series is what goes on in everyday life.begoAnother focus of feminist debate has been the film industry.havebeI shall now turn to the main focus of this essay.Eggs became the focus for the food poisoning scare.eggbecomepoisonThe focus of the conference shifted from population growth to the education of women.shiftwoman2[uncountable]ESPECIALLY if your focus is on something, that is the thing you are giving most attention tofocus onOur main focus is on helping people get back into work.behelpa shift of focus3come into focus/bring something into focus if something comes into focus, or you bring it into focus, people start to talk about it and pay attention to it: These issues have recently come into sharp focus (=people have started to talk about them a lot).issue4in focus/out of focus if a photograph or an instrument such as a camera is in focus, you can see the picture clearly. If it is out of focus, you cannot see the picture clearly.5[uncountable] the clearness of the picture seen through an instrument such as a camera: He raised his binoculars and adjusted the focus.raiseadjustCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivesthe main focus The main focus of our attention will be on providing an efficient service.providethe central focus (=most important) The film’s central focus is the relationship between the two women.bewomanthe primary focus (=main or most important) The economic situation is likely to be the primary focus of the discussion.beverbsbecome the focus When you give a talk you become the focus of attention.provide a focus The church provided a focus for the community.providechange the focus He changed the focus from general to specific issues.changeissueshift the focus (=move it to something else) Opposition MPs accused the Prime Minister of trying to shift the focus onto other issues.accusetryissuethe focus changes/shifts The focus of the negotiations shifted to working conditions.negotiationshiftworkconditionphrasesthe focus is on something The focus is now on improving students’ communication skills.beimprovestudentskillthe focus of attention In this section of the talk the focus of attention will be on statistics.statistica focus of interest Animal behaviour has long been a focus of interest for scientists.havebescientistthe focus of debate (=the thing which people are discussing) The strike became the focus of debate in the media.becomemediumthe focus of concern (=the thing which people are worried about) The spread of the disease has become the main focus of concern.havea change/shift in focus Over the years, there has been a change of focus from treatment to prevention.yearhavebe
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Origin: custom; from the custom of doing business in a particular place 1BUYsomeone who buys goods or services from a shop, company etc:
We aim to offer good value and service to all our customers.customerWe’ve had several letters from satisfied customers.havelettersatisfycustomercustomer service/careMany of the banks offer a poor level of customer service.bankHe’s one of our regular customers.customerbest/biggest/largest customer (=the person or company who uses a shop or company the most)2awkward/tricky/tough etc customerHELP someone who is difficult to deal with because they behave in a deliberately unhelpful way → cool customer at cool1(3)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + customer a regular customer My business quickly built up a base of regular customers.buildcustomera good customer (=who buys a lot from you, or uses your service a lot) Good products attract good customers.productcustomera major/big/large customer (=who is important and buys a lot) America is a big customer for Japanese goods.begooda loyal customer (=who has been a customer for a long time) Some of our loyal customers have been coming here since the store opened.customerbecomeopena satisfied customer (=who is pleased with your goods or service) Satisfied customers will retun again and again.satisfycustomera potential/prospective customer (=who might become a customer in the future) It’s very important to establish contact with potential customers.customera business customer (=customers that are businesses) the bank’s major business customerscustomerexisting customers (=that you already have) We want to improve our service for both new and existing customers.existcustomerverbsdeal with a customer (=do business with or talk to a customer) He has a lot of experience in dealing with customers.havedealcustomerserve a customer Every day the shop serves around 800 customers.servecustomerattract customers (=get more customers) The Internet is a great way to attract new customers.becustomerkeep/retain customers Keeping prices low helps to retain customers.keeppricehelpcustomerlose a customer The company has lost some big customers in the last two years.havelosecustomeryearcustomer + NOUNcustomer service/care (=serving and looking after customers) Our aim is always to raise the level of customer service.becustomer relations Staff are given training in customer relations.begivetrainrelationcustomer satisfaction (=how pleased customers are) The firm carried out a survey of customer satisfaction.carrycustomer demand (=the amount of something customers want to buy or use) It’s important to respond quickly to changing customer demand.changecustomer complaints My job is to handle customer complaints and enquiries.becomplaintenquiryTHESAURUScustomer someone who buys goods or services from a shop or company: Customers were waiting for the shop to open.customerbewait | The bank is one of our biggest customers.bebigcustomerclient someone who pays for a service from a professional person or company: He has a meeting with one of his clients.havemeetclient | The company buys and sells shares on behalf of their clientsbuysellshareclientshopper someone who goes to the shops looking for things to buy: The streets were full of Christmas shoppers.streetbeshopperguest someone who pays to stay in a hotel: Guests must leave their rooms by 10 am.guestroombepatron /ˈpeɪtrən/ formal a customer of a particular shop, restaurant or hotel – usually written on signs: The notice said ‘Parking for Patrons Only’.sayparkpatronpatient someone who is getting medical treatment from a doctor, or in a hospital: He is a patient of Dr Williams.beconsumer anyone who buys goods or uses services – used when considering these people as a group who have particular rights, needs, or behaviour: Consumers are demanding more environmentally-friendly products.consumerbedemandproduct | the rights of the consumerright | The law is designed to protect consumers who buy goods on the Internet.bedesignconsumergoodmarket the number of people who want to buy a product, or the type of people who want to buy it: The market for organic food is growing all the time.begrow | a magazine aimed at the youth marketaimclientele /ˌkliːənˈtel $ ˌklaɪənˈtel, ˌkliː-/ formal the type of customers that a particular shop, restaurant etc gets: The hotel has a very upmarket clientele.have | They have a wealthy international clientele.
verb (past tense and past participle spread)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sprædan Verb form1affect more people/places [intransitive and transitive]SPREAD if something spreads or is spread, it becomes larger or moves so that it affects more people or a larger areaspread through
Fire quickly spread through the building.buildspread overHe watched the dark stain spread over the gray carpet.watchspread amongThe disease spread rapidly amongst the poor.spread (from something) to somethingThe cancer had spread to her liver.haveliveRevolution quickly spread from France to Italy.2information/ideas a)[intransitive]SPREAD to become known about or used by more and more people: News of the explosion spread swiftly.spread to/through/over etcBuddhism spread to China from India.The news spread like wildfire (=very quickly).Word spread quickly that she was leaving.beleave b)[transitive]TELL to tell a lot of people about something: Andy loves spreading rumours about his colleagues.lovespreadrumourcolleagueThey are spreading the word about the benefits of immunization.bespreadbenefit3open/arrange (also spread out) [transitive]SPREAD to open something out or arrange a group of things so that they cover a flat surfacespread something over/across/on somethingPapers and photos were spread across the floor.paperphotobeHe spread the map out on the desk.a table spread with a white cloth4throughout an area [intransitive] (also be spread, spread out) to cover or exist across a large areaspread overthe forest that spread over the whole of that regionspread throughoutThe company has more than 2,500 shops spread throughout the UK.haveshop5soft substance [intransitive and transitive]SPREAD to put a soft substance over a surface, or to be soft enough to be put over a surfacespread something on/over somethingHe spread plaster on the walls.wallspread something with somethingSpread the toast thinly with jam.If you warm up the butter, it’ll spread more easily.Spread the nut mixture evenly over the bottom.6arms/fingers etc [transitive]PUSH if you spread your arms, fingers, or legs, you move them far apart: He shrugged and spread his hands.shrughand7over time [transitive] (also spread out)SLOW to do something over a period of time, rather than at one timespread something over somethingCould I spread the repayments over a longer period?canrepaymentlongThere will be 12 concerts spread throughout the summer.concert8share [transitive]SHARE to share or divide something among several people or thingsspread the load/burdenThe bills are sent out on different dates to spread the workload on council staff.billbesenddateThey want the country’s wealth to be more evenly spread.9smile/look [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]EXPRESSION ON SB'S FACE if an expression spreads over someone’s face, it slowly appears on their facespread over/acrossA slow smile spread over her face.10spread your wings a)INDEPENDENT PERSONto start to have an independent life and experience new things: A year spent studying abroad should allow him to spread his wings a bit.spendstudyshallwingbite b)if a bird or insect spreads its wings, it stretches them wide11a)be spread (too) thin/thinly if money, effort etc is spread thin, it is being used for many things so there is not enough for each thing: They complained that resources were spread too thinly.complainresourcebe b)spread yourself too thin to try to do too many things at the same time so that you do not do any of them effectively12spread seeds/manure/fertilizerSPREAD to scatter seeds, manure etc on the ground → spread your net wide at net1(8)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2nounsa disease spreads/is spread (=among a group of people) The disease is spread by mosquitoes.bemosquitoa cancer/infection spreads (=in someone’s body) The cancer had spread to his brain.havenews/word spreads As news of his death spread, his army disintegrated.disintegratespread the news/the word He has been spreading the word about ways to beat heart disease.havebespreadwayspread a story (also spread a rumour British English, spread a rumor American English) When Brown’s hotel burned down, Clark spread the rumor that Forsyth was to blame.burnbea story spreads (also a rumour spreads British English, a rumor spreads American English) It was the sort of story that would spread like wildfire.bewillspread lies/gossip How dare you spread such vicious lies!lie | Has someone been spreading malicious gossip?havebespreadspread terror/panic The murders were clearly intended to spread terror.murderbeintendfire spreads (also flames spread) The fire had spread to a nearby shed.haveviolence/fighting spreads There is no indication that the violence is likely to spread.bebesb’s fame/reputation spreads Their musical fame has spread far beyond their native country.haveadverbsspread rapidly/quickly The fire spread rapidly, consuming many of the houses.consumehousephrasesspread like wildfire (=spread extremely quickly) The news spread like wildfire through the town.spread out phrasal verb1SPREADif a group of people spread out, they move apart from each other so that they cover a wider area: The search party spread out to search the surrounding fields.surroundfield2spread something ↔ outSPREAD to open something out or arrange a group of things on a flat surface: Sue spread out her notes on the kitchen table and began to write.notebegin3SPREAD (also be spread out) to cover a large area: The city spread out below her looked so calm.look4spread something ↔ outSLOW to do something over a period of time, rather than at one timespread something ↔ out overThe course is spread out over four days.beday
spreadnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesspreadspreadsspreadspread2 noun
1increase [singular]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT when something affects or is known about by more people or involves a larger area → increasespread ofan attempt to stop the spread of nuclear weaponsweaponthe rapid spread of cholera in Latin America2soft food [uncountable and countable] a)a soft substance made from vegetable oil that is used like butter: one slice of toast with a low-fat spread b)a soft food which you spread on breadcheese/chocolate etc spread3range [singular]VARIOUS/OF DIFFERENT KINDS a range of people or thingswide/broad/good spread of somethingWe have a good spread of ages in the department.agea broad spread of investmentsinvestment4area [singular] the total area in which something exists: the geographical spread of the company’s hotelshotel5double-page spread/centre spread a special article or advertisement in a newspaper or magazine, which covers two pages or covers the centre pages: There’s a double-page spread in Sunday’s paper.6large meal [singular] informalMEAL a large meal for several guests on a special occasion: Tom’s mum laid on a huge spread.lay7hand/wings [uncountable] the area covered when the fingers of a hand, or a bird’s wings, are fully stretched8bed cover [countable] a bedspread9money [countable] technical the difference between the prices at which something is bought and sold, or the interest rates for lending and borrowing moneyspread betweenthe spread between the city banks’ loan rates and deposit ratesbankraterate10sport [singular] American English the number of points between the scores of two opposing teams: a four-point spread11spread of land/waterAREA an area of land or water12farm [countable] American English a large farm or ranch → middle-aged spread at middle-aged(3)THESAURUSfarm an area of land, used for growing crops or keeping animals: a 300-hectare farm | a dairy farm | a sheep farmranch a very large farm in the western US, Canada, or South America where sheep, cattle, or horses are bred: a cattle ranch in Wyomingsmallholding British English a piece of land used for farming, that is smaller than an ordinary farm: a smallholding used for organic farmingusefarmplantation a large area of land in a hot country, where crops such as tea, cotton, and sugar are grown: a rubber plantation | a tea plantationhomestead a piece of land for farming that was given to people in the past by the US and Canadian governments: He still farms on the family homestead, a hundred years after his grandfather received it.farmyearreceivespread American English informal an area of land used for farming or ranching: They have a pretty big spread just south of the Canadian border.market garden an area of land, often with greenhouses on it, used for growing vegetables and fruit: He runs his own market garden, and sells his produce to the big supermarkets.runsellsupermarketorchard an area of land with trees, used for growing fruit: an apple orchard | cherry orchardsorchardallotment British English a small area of land of land, especially in a town or city, which you can use for growing your own vegetables.The land is usually owned by the local council, who charge a very low rent: We grew the tomatoes on our allotment.growtomatoagriculture the practice of farming: More than 75% of the land is used for agriculture.beusearable adjective relating to growing crops: a lack of arable land
noun [countable]Date: 1500-1600Origin: gol ‘limit, boundary’ (1300-1400) 1PURPOSEsomething that you hope to achieve in the future SYN aim:
Your goal as a parent is to help your child become an independent adult.beRegisterIn everyday British English, people often talk about what someone is aiming to do rather than talk about someone’s goal: His goal is to set up his own business. ➔ He’s aiming to set up his own business.2the area between two posts where the ball must go in order to score in games such as football or hockeybe in goal/keep goal British English (=be the goalkeeper)3the action of making the ball go into a goal, or the score gained by doing this: I scored the first goal.scoreCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivessb’s main/primary goal My main goal was to get the team to the finals.befinal | The primary goal of the 1917 Revolution was to seize and redistribute the wealth of the Russian empire.besb’s ultimate goal (=what they eventually and most importantly hope to achieve) The ultimate goal is a freer, more democratic society.befreean immediate goal (=that you need to achieve very soon) Our immediate goal is to cut costs.becosta long-term goal (=that you hope to achieve after a long time) The organization’s long-term goal is to gain a strong position in the European market.bea short-term goal (=that you hope to achieve after a short time) Companies should not focus only on the short-term goal of profitability.companyshallsb’s personal goal They had to sacrifice personal goals for their family life.havegoala common goal (=an aim shared by more than one person or organization) Iran and Turkey shared common goals in their handling of the refugee crisis.sharegoalhandlea realistic/achievable goal Students are encouraged to set themselves realistic goals for academic improvement.studentbeencouragegoal | We pushed for what we thought were achievable goalspushthinkbegoalan ambitious goal (=an aim that will be difficult to achieve) The agreement set ambitious goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.goalemissiona modest goal (=an aim that is not too difficult to achieve) Don’t try to lose a lot of weight quickly; set yourself a more modest goal.verbshave a goal She had one goal in life: to accumulate a huge fortune.havework towards a goal We are all working towards similar goals.beworkgoalpursue a goal Have we gone too far in pursuing the goal of national security?gopursueachieve/attain/reach your goal She has worked hard to achieve her goal of a job in the medical profession.havework | They’re hoping to reach their goal of raising £10,000 for charity.hoperaiseset (yourself/somebody) a goal (=decide what you or someone else should try to achieve) It helps if you set yourself clear goals.helpgoalCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbsscore a goal Robbie Keane scored a goal just before halftime.scoreget a goal It was great that he got that goal so late in the game.begethead a goal (=score a goal by hitting the ball with your head) Peter Crouch headed England’s equalizing goal.headequalizemake a goal (=help another player to score a goal) Rooney made the goal with a superb pass to Saha.makeconcede a goal (=let the other team score a goal) Arsenal conceded a goal in the final minute of extra time.concedelet in a goal (=let the other team score a goal) Chelsea let in a goal in the 63rd minute.disallow a goal (=not allow a goal to be counted because a rule has been broken) The goal was disallowed for offside.bedisallowadjectivesthe winning goal Berbatov scored the winning goal from just outside the box.scorewinan own goal (=when a player accidentally puts the ball into his/her own net) Dixon scored an unfortunate own goal against West Ham.scorea last-minute goal A last-minute goal condemned Fulham to a 0–1 home defeat.condemnan equalizing goal British English (=a goal that gives you the same number of points as your opponent) A loud cheer went up as he scored the equalizing goal.goscoreequalize
adverb, prepositionDate: 1300-1400Origin: → LOW1 1UNDER/BELOWin a lower place or position, or on a lower level OPP above:
an animal that lives below groundlivegrindWater was dripping onto the floor below.bedripI could hear voices in the courtyard below my window.canvoiceThey camped a few hundred feet below the summit.campfootDown below, people were talking and laughing.betalklaughSomewhere far below, a door slammed.slamThe kitchen is directly below her bedroom.beCaptain Parker went below (=to the lower level of the ship), leaving Clooney in charge.goleave2POSITION/RANKof a lower rank or having a less important job than someone else OPP above: No one below the level of senior manager was present at the meeting.bemeetand/or belowofficers of the rank of captain and belowofficer3LESSless than a particular number, amount, level etc OPP above: Test scores below 50 were classed as ‘unsatisfactory’.scorebeclassIn June the rate of inflation fell below 3%.fallTom’s spelling is well below average (=much worse than the normal standard).spellbebelow freezing/zero (=lower than the temperature at which water freezes)In winter, temperatures dip to 40 degrees below freezing.temperaturedegreefreezeand/or belowfree travel for children four years old and belowchildyear4lower on the same page, or on a later page OPP above: Details of courses are listed below.detailcoursebelistFor more information, see below. → below par at par(2), → below the belt at belt1(4)THESAURUSunder something that is under something else has that thing directly above it or covering it: The pen was under the desk.be | She had a T-shirt on under her sweater.havebelow in a lower position than something else, though not always directly under it: From the cliffs we could barely see the people on the beach below us.cliffcan | His apartment is below ours on the left.beleaveunderneath under – used especially to emphasize that something covers, touches, or hides something: The girls wear shorts underneath their cheerleading skirts.girlshortskirt | I found the book underneath the sofa.findbeneath formal under or at a lower level: They strolled hand in hand beneath the summer moon.stroll | The water lies just beneath the surface of the earth.lie
noun [countable]
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: baggi
1containerCONTAINER a)a container made of paper, cloth, or thin plastic, that usually opens at the top: a paper baga plastic baga garbage bag b)a handbag: Don’t leave your bag in the car. c)a large bag that you use to carry your clothes etc when you are travelling: Just throw your bags in the back of the car.baga garment bag2amountAMOUNT the amount that a bag will holdbag ofa bag of popcorn3WOMANINSULTold/stupid bag spoken an insulting word for an old woman: You silly old bag!4a lot of somethingA LOT OFbags of something especially British English spokenLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT a lot of something SYN plenty: She’s got bags of money.getbagNo need to rush – we’ve got bags of time.getbag5pack your bags informalLEAVE A PLACE to leave a place where you have been living, usually after an argument: We told her to pack her bags at once.tellbag6eyesAPPEARANCEbags [plural] dark circles or loose skin under your eyes, usually because of old age or being tired7a bag of bones informalTHIN PERSON a person or animal who is too thin8in the bag informalCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY certain to be won or achieved: The governor’s advisors believe the election is in the bag.be9trousersTROUSERSbags [plural] British English old-fashioned loose-fitting trousers: Oxford bagsbag10not sb’s bag old-fashioned informalINTERESTED something that someone is not very interested in or not very good at: Thanks, but dancing is not really my bag.thankdancebe11bag and baggage British EnglishOWN with all your possessions: They threw her out of the house, bag and baggage.throw12huntingHUNTING [usually singular] British English the number of birds or animals that someone kills when they go hunting: We had a good bag that day.have → sleeping bag, airbag, duffel bag, tote bag, beanbag, punchbag, → let the cat out of the bag at cat(2), → be left holding the bag at hold1(26), → a mixed bag at mixed(6)COLLOCATIONStypesa plastic/polythene/paper bag Store the beans in a paper bag in the fridge.beana carrier bag (=for carrying shopping, usually made of plastic) The supermarket no longer gives free carrier bags.longgivebaga shopping bag She loaded her shopping bags into the back of the car.loadshopbaga school bag Hey, don't forget your school bag!a sports bag I noticed that the man was wearing trainers and carrying a sports bag.noticebeweartrainercarrysporta shoulder bag (=one that is carried over your shoulder) Big shoulder bags are fashionable this year.bagbea leather/canvas bag She was carrying a smart leather bag.becarrya clutch bag (=a small woman's bag that you hold in one hand) For the evening all you need is a little clutch bag.evenbean evening bag (=a small bag that a woman takes out with her in the evening) She put her lipstick in a black velvet evening bag.evena beach bag (=to take to the beach) I bought a big striped beach bag.buyan overnight bag (=a small suitcase or bag for a short stay somewhere) All you need to take is an overnight bag.bea travel bag (=a suitcase or bag taken with you when you travel) Your travel bag must not weigh more than 20 kilos.kiloa sponge/toilet bag (=for carrying your soap, toothpaste, shampoo etc) I left my sponge bag in the hotel bathroom.leavea bin/dustbin bag British English Use the black bin bags provided by the council.bagprovideverbsa bag contains something Lisa was carrying the bag containing the beach towels.becarrycontaintowela bag holds something I don't think that bag will hold all those books..bookopen/close a bag The customs officer opened my bag.customopenempty a bag I've emptied my bags and I still can't find it.emptybagpack a bag (=put things in it preparing to go somewhere) Mum packed a bag for a day at the beach.packunpack a bag She unpacked her bags and put her clothes away.unpackbagclothe
bagverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbagbagsbaggedbaggingbagbag2 verb (past tense and past participle bagged, present participle bagging) [transitive]Verb form1PUTto put things into bags: He got a job bagging groceries.getbaggrocery2informalGET to manage to get something that a lot of people want: Try to bag a couple of seats at the front.seat3British English informal to score a goal or a point in sport: Larsson bagged his thirtieth goal of the season in Celtic’s win.bag4especially British English informal to kill or catch an animal or bird: We bagged a rabbit.bag5be bagged and zip-tied if prisoners are bagged and zip-tied, bags are put over their heads and their hands are tied togetherbag something ↔ up phrasal verb especially British English PUTto put things into bags: We bagged up the money before we closed the shop.bagclose
noun [uncountable and countable]Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: skil ‘good judgment, knowledge’ CANGOOD ATan ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it → talent:
Reading and writing are two different skills.readwritebeskillMany jobs today require computer skills.jobskillskill in/atHe was valued for his skill in raising money for the company.bevalueraisewith skillThe whole team played with great skill and determination.playCOLLOCATIONSverbshave a skill He didn’t have the right skills for the job.skilllearn a skill (also acquire a skill formal) People can acquire new skills while they are unemployed.skillbedevelop a skill We will give you the opportunity to develop your skills.skilluse a skill I am sure you can use your communication skills to get your message across.beskillrequire/take skill (=to need skill) It’s a difficult task, which requires skill and experience.requirelack a skill (=not have a skill) He lacked both the skills and the confidence to take on the job.lackskillhone a skill (=improve it) The course will help you hone your writing skills.writeskillmaster a skill (=learn it so that your skill is very good) Many of these children have not mastered basic academic skills.childmasterskillADJECTIVES/NOUN + skillgreat/considerable skill (=a lot of skill) He played with great skill.playgood skills He’s got good management skills.getskillbasic skills The basic skills can be acquired very quickly.skillacquirepractical skills Students will have the opportunity to learn a lot of practical skills.studentskilltechnical skills Good technical skills are not enough.skillbemanagement skills She needs to develop her management skills.needskillcomputer/IT skills We’re looking for someone with good IT skills.lookskillreading/writing skills Their reading skills are poor.readskillbecommunication skills (=the ability to communicate well with people) The nurse must use her communication skills to help the patient feel at ease.skillsocial skills (=the ability to get on well with people) Unsociable toddlers were found to have poor social skills later.toddlerbefindskilllatepeople/interpersonal skills (=the ability to deal with people) He wasn’t a good communicator and had no people skills at all.haveskilllanguage skills (=the ability to use a language) We need to hire people with useful language skills.skillTHESAURUSskill [uncountable and countable] an ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it: He plays the piano with great skill.play | communication/language/computer etc skillsskill | The course will help you improve your communication skills.skilltalent [uncountable and countable] a natural ability to do something well which can be developed with practice: She was a young artist with a lot of talent.be | She showed a talent for acting from an early age.showact | He is a man of many talents.betalentgenius [uncountable] very great ability, which only a few people have: The opera shows Mozart’s genius as a composer.opusshow | Picasso was a painter of genius.begift [countable] a natural ability to do something very well, which you were born with: You can see that he has a gift for the game.have | Winterson has great gifts as a writer.havegiftflair [singular, uncountable] skill for doing something, especially something that needs imagination and creativity: The job does require some creative flair.do | She has a flair for languages.havelanguageexpertise [uncountable] specialized knowledge of a technical subject, which you get from experience of doing that type of work: The technical expertise for building the dam is being provided by a US company.buildbebeprovidea/the knack /næk/ [singular] informal a special skill for doing a particular thing, especially a simple everyday thing: Breadmaking is easy once you get the knack.be | He has a knack for making people feel relaxed.havemakerelax
verb
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: fyllan; related to → FULL1 Verb form1become/make fullFULL [intransitive and transitive] (also fill up) if a container or place fills, or if you fill it, enough of something goes into it to make it full:
He poured her a drink, then filled his own glass.pourfillMy job was filling the flour sacks.befillsackTake a deep breath and allow your lungs to fill.lungfill (something) with somethingHer eyes filled with tears.eyefilltearfill something to the brim/to overflowing (=fill something completely)a bucket filled to the brim with icefillThere was just enough wind to fill the sails.besailMiller’s band was filling dance halls (=attracting a lot of people) all over the country.befillhall2large thing/number [transitive] if a thing or group fills something, there is no space left: Crowds of well-wishers filled the streets.crowdfillstreetHis wartime experiences would fill a book!experiencewillAll the seats were filled and a number of people were standing.seatbefillnumbbestandNumerous pictures fill every available space.picture3sound/smell/light [transitive] if a sound, smell, or light fills a place, you notice it because it is very loud or strong: The smell of freshly baked bread filled the room.bakefillbe filled with somethingThe air was filled with the sound of children’s laughter.befillchild4emotions [transitive]EMOTIONAL if you are filled with an emotion, or if it fills you, you feel it very stronglybe filled with admiration/joy/happiness etcI was filled with admiration for her.befillbe filled with horror/fear/anger/doubt/remorseTheir faces were suddenly filled with fear.facebefillfill somebody with somethingThe prospect filled him with horror.fill5NEEDprovide something [transitive] to provide something that is needed or wanted but which has not been available or present beforefill a need/demandVolunteers fill a real need for teachers in the Somali Republic.volunteerteacherfill a gap/hole/niche etcI spent most of the summer filling the gaps in my education.spendfillgapThe company has moved quickly to fill the niche in the overnight travel market.havemove6spend time [transitive]SPEND TIME if you fill a period of time with a particular activity, you spend that time doing itfill your time/the days etc (with something)I have no trouble filling my time.fill7perform a job [transitive] to perform a particular job, activity, or purpose in an organization, or to find someone or something to do thisfill a post/position/vacancy etcWomen fill 35% of senior management positions.womanpositionThank you for your letter. Unfortunately, the vacancy has already been filled.havebefillThe UK should find another weapon to fill the same role.shall8crack/hole [transitive] (also fill in)REPAIR to put a substance into a hole, crack etc to make a surface level: Fill in any cracks before starting to paint.crackstartmaterials developed to fill tooth cavitiesmaterialdevelopcavity9fill yourself (up)/fill your face informalFULL to eat so much food that you cannot eat any more10fill an order to supply the goods that a customer has ordered: The company is struggling to fill $11 million in back orders.bestruggleorder11fill the bill American EnglishSUITABLE to have exactly the right qualities SYN fit the bill British English: We needed an experienced reporter and Willis fills the bill.needexperiencefill12fill sb’s shoes to do the work that someone else normally does, especially when this is difficult because they have set a high standardTHESAURUSfill to put enough of something into a container to make it full: Jenny filled the kettle and put it on to boil.fill | Party balloons can be filled with helium.balloonfillfill up to fill something completely – used especially about putting petrol in the tank of a car: I need to fill up the car. | The waiter filled up everyone’s glasses.fillglass | If the oil tank is less than half full, tell them to fill it up.belittleload/load up to fill a vehicle with goods, furniture etc: Two men were loading a truck with boxes of melons.manbeloadboxmelonstuff/cram to quickly fill something such as a bag or pocket by pushing things into it tightly: She hurriedly stuffed some things into an overnight bag and left.stuffthingleaverefill to fill a container again, after what was in it has been used: I’m just going to refill this bottle from the tap.gotop up British English, top off American English to fill a glass or cup that still has some liquid in it: Can I top up your glass of wine?replenish formal to make something full again, especially with a supply of something such as water or food: The lake is fed by springs that are eternally replenished by the rain.befeedspringbereplenishfill in phrasal verb1documentWRITEfill something ↔ in to write all the necessary information on an official document, form etc: Don’t forget to fill in your boarding cards.boardcard2tell somebody news fill somebody ↔ inTELL to tell someone about recent events, especially because they have been away from a placefill somebody ↔ in onI think you’d better fill me in on what’s been happening.wellbehappen3crack/holeREPAIRfill something ↔ in to put a substance into a hole, crack etc so it is completely full and level4SPEND TIMEfill in time to spend time doing something unimportant because you are waiting for something to happen: She flipped through a magazine to fill in the time.flip5spaceDRAWfill something ↔ in to paint or draw over the space inside a shape6do sb’s jobJOB/WORK to do someone’s job because they are not therefill in forI’m filling in for Joe for a few days.filldayfill out phrasal verb1WRITEfill something ↔ out to write all the necessary information on an official document, form etc2FATif you fill out, or your body fills out, you become slightly fatter: Eric has filled out around the waist.havefill3if a young person fills out, their body becomes more like an adult’s body, for example by having bigger muscles, developing breasts etc: At puberty, a girl’s body begins to fill out.begin4fill something ↔ out to add more details to a description or storyfill up phrasal verb1FULLif a container or place fills up, or if you fill it up, it becomes fullfill up withHer eyes filled up with tears.eyefilltearfill something ↔ upShall I fill the car up (=with petrol)?2fill (yourself) up informalFULL to eat so much food that you cannot eat any morefill (yourself) up with/onDon’t fill yourself up with cookies.cookieHe filled up on pecan pie.fill3FULLfill somebody up informal food that fills you up makes you feel as though you have eaten a lot when you have only eaten a small amount
fillnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesfillfillsfillfill2 nounWord family1have had your fill of something informalENOUGH to have done something or experienced something, especially something unpleasant, so that you do not want any more: I’ve had my fill of screaming kids for one day.havescreamkid2eat/drink your fill old-fashionedFULL to eat or drink as much as you want or need
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1600-1700Origin: analysis or analyze 1EXAMINEsomeone whose job is to think about something carefully in order to understand it, and often to advise other people about it:
Political analysts expect the Conservatives to win.analystconservativeinvestment/financial/business analystCleary has been working as a computer analyst in Winchester.havebework2DOCTORa doctor who helps people who have mental or emotional problems by making them talk about their experiences and relationships SYN psychoanalyst → systems analyst
verb (past tense proved, past participle proved or proven /ˈpruːvən/ especially American English)
Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: prover, from Latin probare; → PROBE2 Verb form1show something is true [transitive]PROVE to show that something is true by providing facts, information etc → proof:
You’re wrong, and I can prove it.prove (that)Tests have proved that the system works.testproveworkprove something to somebodyI knew he had done it, but there was no way I could prove it to Eddie.knowhavedobecanprove sb’s guilt/innocenceHe claims the police destroyed records that could prove the officer’s guilt.claimdestroyrecordcanprove somebody wrong/innocent etcThey say I’m too old, but I’m going to prove them all wrong.goTo prove his point (=show that he was right), he mentioned several other experiments which had produced similar results.mentionexperimenthaveproduceresult ► You prove something to someone: I will prove to you (NOT prove you) that I’m right.2be [linking verb]BE if someone or something proves difficult, helpful, a problem etc, they are difficult, helpful, a problem etc: The recent revelations may prove embarrassing to the President.revelationembarrassprove to be somethingThe design proved to be a success.prove3prove yourself/prove something (to somebody)PROVE to show how good you are at doing something: When I first started this job, I felt I had to prove myself.startfeelhave4prove yourself (to be) something to show other people that you are a particular type of person: She’s proved herself to be a very reliable worker.prove5what is somebody trying to prove? spoken said when you are annoyed by someone’s actions and do not understand them6prove a point if someone does something to prove a point, they do it to show that they are right or that they can do something: I’m not going to run the marathon just to prove a point.go7bread [intransitive] if dough (=unbaked bread mixture) proves, it rises and becomes light because of the yeast in it8law [transitive] law to show that a will has been made in the correct way—provableprovable adjectiveCOLLOCATIONSnounsprove somebody's guilt/innocence There was no way she could prove her innocence.becanprove the existence of something These pictures do not prove the existence of water on Mars.picturemarprove a theory No evidence emerged to prove either theory.emergeprove your case The state had failed to prove its case.havefailprove your point To prove her point, Dr Hurdal showed her audience a scan of a patient's brain.showphrasesprove somebody wrong/right See if you can prove me wrong.prove somebody guilty/innocent The law states that you are innocent until proved guilty.statebeproveTHESAURUSconfirm if a piece of new information confirms an idea or belief that people already have, it shows that it is definitely true: Police have found new evidence that confirms his story.findconfirm | The discovery seems to confirm that people lived here over 10,000 years ago.seemliveyearprove to show that something is definitely true by providing facts: DNA tests proved that he was the father of the child.testprovebe | I think we’ve proved that we are a good team.provebeback up to provide additional information to help prove that a statement, belief, or explanation is correct: When you write a history essay, you should back up all your points with facts.shallpointfact | Wright was accused of pretending to be injured, and this was backed up by video evidence.beaccusepretendinjurebebacksupport to help to prove that a belief, idea etc is probably true: Do you have any evidence to support these claims?claim | The notion that women are worse drivers than men is simply not supported by the facts.womanbeilldrivermanbesupportfactbear something out if facts or information bear out a claim or opinion, they suggest that something is likely to be true: Most of the available evidence bears out the view that students learn better in small classes.bearstudentwellclass | Marriage is not always easy; a fact that is clearly borne out in divorce statistics.bebebearstatisticcorroborate formal to provide additional information which supports or agrees with something – used in scientific and legal contexts: Levine claims that a third car was involved in the accident and witnesses have corroborated this.claimbeinvolvewitnesscorroborate | Professor Carling’s findings have been corroborated by more recent research.findingbecorroboratesubstantiate formal to provide additional information that helps to prove that a statement is correct, especially if the statement is difficult to believe: A police investigation failed to substantiate the claim that he had been sexually abused.failhavebeabusevalidate formal to prove that information or results are correct by using scientific tests or very careful checking – used in scientific or technical contexts: All the information used in this report has been validated by an independent panel of experts.usehavebevalidateexpert
noun (plural activities)Word family1[uncountable and countable] things that people do, especially in order to achieve a particular aim: Everyone is free to engage in peaceful political activity.befund-raising activitiesraiseactivityRegular physical activity helps to control your weight.help2[countable usually plural]DO something that you do because you enjoy it: leisure activitiesactivityoutdoor activities such as hiking or climbingactivityhikeclimb3[uncountable]BUSY PLACE a situation in which a lot of things are happening or a lot of things are being done: The office was suddenly full of frantic activity.beThe farm was always a hive of activity at this time of year.beCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1, 2 & 3verbstake part in an activity (also participate in an activity formal) The children were encouraged to take part in several different activities.childbeencourageactivityengage in an activity formal (=take part) Police suspect he may have engaged in criminal activities.engageactivitybe involved in an activity The men were involved in terrorist activities.manbeinvolveactivitydo an activity He doesn't do a lot of physical activity.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + activitypolitical activity Political activity is closely controlled by the government.becontroleconomic activity The current level of economic activity will influence business confidence.business/commercial activity Internet shopping is a rapidly developing area of business activity.shopbedevelophuman activity There was no sign of any human activity.becriminal/illegal activity The bar was being used for illegal activities.bebeuseactivityterrorist activity The police took extra measures to protect the public against terrorist activity.takemeasureoutdoor activities The college is well situated for students who are interested in outdoor activities.besituatestudentbeinterestactivityphysical activity It's important to do some kind of regular physical activity.mental activity Your mental activity starts to slow down as you grow old.startleisure activities I don't have much time for leisure activities.activityclassroom activities He didn't really take part in classroom activities.activitycultural activities There is plenty of opportunity for children to express themselves in creative and cultural activities.bechildactivityphrasesthe level of activity The level of economic activity has increased.haveincreaseCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'make an activity'. Say take part in an activity or be involved in an activity. Do not say 'sport activity'. Say sports activity.
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: ‘unused surface for writing on’, from albus ‘white’ 1a group of songs or pieces of music on a CD, tape etc:
The band plan to release their new album next week.2a book that you put photographs, stamps etc in: a photograph album
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: regn 1[uncountable] water that falls in small drops from clouds in the sky:
a night of wind and rainThere will be heavy rain in most parts of the country.partin the rainI left my bicycle out in the rain.leave → acid rain, rain drop, rainy2the rains heavy rain that falls during a particular period in the year in tropical countries → monsoon: Last year, the rains came on time in April.raincome3rain of somethingLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT a large number of things falling or moving through the air together: The archers sent a rain of arrows towards the enemy.archersendarrow4(come) rain or shine spokenWEATHER whatever happens or whatever the weather is like: Don’t worry. We’ll be there – rain or shine.—rainlessrainless adjective → right as rain at right1(9)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + rainheavy (=with a lot of water coming down) The rain became more heavy.becomelight (=with little water coming down) A light rain began to fall.begintorrential (=very heavy) I woke to the sound of torrential rain.wakepouring rain (=very heavy rain) He left us standing in the pouring rain.leavestandpourdriving rain (=heavy rain that is falling fast or being blown along) They struggled to walk against driving rain.struggledrivefreezing rain (=extremely cold rain) the icy wind and freezing rainfreezefine rain (=very gentle rain) A fine rain was coming down as the game started.becomestartacid rain (=which contains pollution from factories) forests which have been damaged by acid rainforestbedamageverbsthe rain falls The rain was still falling steadily.befallthe rain comes down (=it falls) If the rain starts coming down, we can always go inside.startcome | The monsoon rain comes down in sheets.comesheetthe rain stops They went into a cafe and waited for the rain to stop.gowaitthe rain eases off (=it starts to rain less) The rain should ease off in a minute.shallthe rain pours down (=a lot of rain comes down) The rain was pouring down and I was quickly soaked.bepourbesoakthe rain pelts down (=it comes down fast) The rain was now pelting down.bepeltthe rain beats/lashes (=it falls or hits something with a lot of force) Isabel listened to the rain beating down.listenbeatthe rain patters on something (=drops of rain hit something and make a sound) Rain pattered on the roof.patterget caught in the rain (=be outside when it starts raining) Did you get caught in the rain?docatchphrasesit is pouring with rain British English, it is pouring rain American English (=a lot of rain is falling) When we went outside it was pouring with rain.gobepourit looks like rain (=rain appears likely because there are dark clouds in the sky) We ate indoors because it looked like rain.eatlooka drop of rain Robert felt a drop of rain on his face.feelan inch/25mm etc of rain Two inches of rain fell in twelve hours.inchfallhouroutbreaks of rain (=short periods of rain – used in weather forecasts) Outbreaks of rain will spread across northern parts.outbreakparta rain shower (also a shower of rain British English) (=a short period of rain) a heavy shower of rain accompanied by lightningaccompanysheets of rain (=large moving masses of heavy rain) He drove home slowly, through sheets of rain.drivesheeta rain cloud Thick black rain clouds massed in the sky.cloudmassTHESAURUSrain noun [uncountable] water that falls in small drops from clouds in the sky: The rain has stopped at last.havestop | There had been heavy rain during the night.havebedrizzle noun [uncountable] light rain with very small drops of water: A light drizzle was falling as I left the house.befallleaveshower noun [countable] a short period of rain that can be heavy or light: More heavy showers are forecast for tonight.showerbe | a light shower of raindownpour noun [countable usually singular] a short period of very heavy rain that starts suddenly: A sudden downpour sent us running for shelter.sendrun | a torrential downpourhail noun [uncountable] frozen rain that falls in the form of hailstones (=small balls of ice): The hail and high winds have destroyed many of the county’s crops.winddestroycropsleet noun [uncountable] a mixture of snow and rain: The rain had turned to sleethaveturn | Sleet and snow fell.fallthe rains noun [plural] heavy rain that falls during a particular period in the year in tropical countries: The farmers are waiting for the rains to come.farmerbewaitrainmonsoon noun [countable ] the heavy rain that falls between April and October in India and other southern Asian countries: The monsoon is late this year.be | the monsoon season
rainverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrainrainsrainedrainingrainrain2 S3 verbVerb form1it rains if it rains, drops of water fall from clouds in the sky: Outside it was still raining.berainIt’s starting to rain.startrain heavily/hardIt must have rained quite hard last night.rainit’s raining cats and dogs spoken (=it is raining very hard)2rain (down) blows/blows rain down if you rain blows onto someone, you hit them many times: She attacked the man, raining blows on his head and shoulders.attackrainblowshoulder3it never rains but it pours spokenLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT used to say that as soon as one thing goes wrong, a lot of other things go wrong as wellCOLLOCATIONSadverbsit rains heavily/hard (=a lot of water comes down) It was raining heavily when we arrived in New York.berainarriveit rains non-stop/solidly/steadily (=without stopping) It rained solidly every single day.rainit rains slightly/lightly (=a little water comes down) It’s raining slightly, but we can still go out.rainverbsit starts raining/it starts to rain It had started to rain again.havestartit stops raining Has it stopped raining?havestoprainphrasesit is raining cats and dogs informal (=it is raining very hard – this phrase sounds rather old-fashioned)THESAURUSit’s raining drops of water are falling from the sky: It’s raining – you’d better take an umbrella.rainwellit’s pouring (down) British English, it’s pouring (rain) American English it is raining very heavily: We stayed at home because it was pouring down all day.staybepourit’s chucking it down British English informal it is raining very heavily: Outside it was chucking it down and the streets were deserted.bechuckstreetbedesertit’s drizzling very gentle rain is falling: It’s only drizzling – let’s go for a walk anyway.drizzleit’s hailing frozen rain in the form of small balls of ice are falling: It had been hailing and the roads were still slippery.havebehailroadberain down phrasal verb DOWNto fall in large quantitiesrain down onBombs rained down on the city.bombrainbe rained off British English, be rained outbe rained out American English phrasal verb if an event or activity is rained off or rained out, it has to stop because there is too much rain: The match was rained off.berain
adjective [not before noun], adverbDate: 1200-1300Origin: all one ‘wholly one’ 1ALONEif you are alone in a place, there is no one with you SYN by yourself:
She lives alone.liveYou shouldn’t leave a child alone in the house.My wife and I like to spend time alone together away from the kids.kidRegisterIn everyday English, people often say by yourself or on your own rather than alone:She lives by herself/on her own.live2ALONEwithout any friends or people you know: It was scary being all alone in a strange city.bebeShe was all alone in the world (=she had no family or friends to help her or look after her).be3ALONEfeeling unhappy and lonely: I cried like a child because I felt so alone.cryfeel4without any help from other people: He was left to raise their two children alone.beleavechild5EMPHASIZEwithout including anything else: The case will cost thousands of pounds in legal fees alone.poundfee6you/he etc aloneONLY used to emphasize that there is only one person who knows, can do something etc: Julie alone knew the truth.know7go it aloneINDEPENDENT PERSON to start working or living on your own, especially after working or living with other people: After years of working for a big company I decided to go it alone.yearworkdecide8leave somebody alone (also let somebody alone old-fashioned)INTERFERE to stop annoying or interrupting someone: ‘Leave me alone!’ she screamed.scream9leave something alone (also let something alone old-fashioned)TOUCH to stop touching an object or changing something: Leave those cakes alone. They’re for the guests.cakeguestleave well (enough) alone (=not change something that is satisfactory)In economic matters, they should leave well alone.mattershall10be yours/hers/his etc alone used to emphasize that something belongs to someone: The responsibility is yours and yours alone.be11not be alone in (doing) somethingONLY to not be the only person to do something: You’re not alone in feeling upset, believe me.feel12stand aloneALONE a)to be strong and independent: the courage to stand alone b)to be at a distance from other objects or buildings: The house stood alone at the end of the road.standTHESAURUSMeaning 4on your own/by yourself without help from anyone else: I can’t move the bed on my own. | See if you can work out the answer by yourself. | all on your own/all by yourself (=used when you feel impressed or feel sympathy for someone): Did you paint this picture all on your own?do | It’s not fair that she does everything all by herself.doalone without any help from anyone else. Alone is more formal and less common than on your own or by yourself: Police believe the killer acted alone.actindependently without asking for help or advice from anyone: Students are taught to work independently.studentbeteach | One day she will have to live independently without the support of her family.unaided without the help of anyone or anything – used especially about people who are very weak, ill etc: He is unable to breathe unaided.be | After treatment, he was able to go up and down stairs unaided.bestairsingle-handedly doing something difficult or impressive without help from anyone else: She single-handedly reformed the entire system.reformsolo by one person, not a group: Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean | She is planning to release a solo album.beplan | He sang and played the song solo.singplaylone adjective [only before noun] doing something alone. Used especially in the following phrases: a lone gunman: Police say the attack was carried out by a lone gunman.becarry | The government should do more to help lone parents (=who raise a child alone).shallparentself-made adjective someone who has become very rich or successful without help from anyone else: a self-made man/millionaire/businessman etc: Like most self-made men, he was extremely self-confident.makemanbe
nounWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Latin
Origin: crimen ‘judgment, accusation, crime’ 1CRIME IN GENERAL[uncountable] illegal activities in general:
We moved here because there was very little crime.movebePolice officers are being given new powers to help combat crime.officerbebegivepowera police crackdown on car crimea town with a relatively low crime rate2A PARTICULAR CRIME[countable] an illegal action, which can be punished by law: He insisted that he had not committed any crime.insisthavecommitmen who have been found guilty of violent crimesmanbefindcrimecrime againstCrimes against the elderly are becoming more common.crimebebecomePolice are still busy hunting for clues at the scene of the crime (=where the crime happened).behuntclue3a life of crime when someone spends their life stealing and committing crimes, in order to get money to live4the perfect crime a crime that no one knows has been committed, so no one can be punished for it5crime of passion a crime, especially murder, caused by sexual jealousy6BAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONScrime against humanity a crime of cruelty against large numbers of people, especially in a war7crime doesn’t pay used to say that crime does not give you any advantage, because you will be caught and punished – used when warning people not to get involved in crime8[singular] something that someone is blamed or criticized for doing – use this when you think someone is treated very unfairly → sin: My only crime is that I fell in love with another girl.befallJohnson’s biggest crime was that he told the truth.bigbetell9it’s a crime spokenBAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS said when you think something is very wrong, and someone should not do it: It would be a crime to waste all that good food.will → partners in crime at partner1(5), → white-collar(2)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbscommit (a) crime Most crime is committed by young men.becommitmancarry out a crime The boy admitted that he’d carried out the crime.admitcarryfight/combat/tackle crime There are a number of ways in which the public can help the police to fight crime.benumbwaybeat crime new measures to beat car crimemeasureturn to crime (=start committing crimes) Youngsters who are bored sometimes turn to crime.youngsterbeboresolve a crime It took ten years for the police to solve the crime.takeyearreport a crime I immediately telephoned the police to report the crime.telephoneADJECTIVES/NOUN + crime(a) serious crime Kidnapping is a very serious crime.kidnapbe(a) violent crime Figures show a 19% rise in violent crime.figurea terrible/horrific crime (also a dreadful crime British English) What made him commit such a terrible crime?makepetty crime (=crime that is not very serious) Immigrants were blamed for the increase in petty crime.immigrantbeblamejuvenile/youth crime (=committed by children and teenagers) Police blame gangs for a third of all juvenile crime in the city.gangan alleged crime (=not proved to have happened) No evidence of the alleged crime was presented.allegebepresentorganized crime (=committed by large organizations of criminals) the growing threats of terrorism and organized crimegrowthreatorganizecar crime British English (=stealing cars) the battle against car crimestreet crime (=crimes such as robbery committed on the streets) There will be new measures to tackle street crime.measurecorporate crime (=involving businesses) Those responsible for corporate crime often escape punishment.property crime (=stealing from or damaging property) theft and other property crimecomputer crime (=committed using computers) It is usually companies that are the victims of computer crime.becompanybevictimwar crimes (=serious crimes committed during a war)a sex crime (=in which someone is sexually attacked)a hate crime (=committed against someone because of their race, religion etc)a capital crime American English (=a crime such as murder, for which the criminal can be killed)phrasesa victim of crime Victims of crime do not always report the offence.victima crackdown on crime (=strong action to fight crime) The government has promised a crackdown on crime.havepromisethe scene of the crime (also the crime scene) (=the place where a crime has happened) Detectives were already at the scene of the crime.detectivebebe tough on crime (=punish crime severely ) Politicians want to appear tough on crime.politicianbe soft on crime (=not punish crime severely enough) He accused the government of being soft on crime.accusebecrime + NOUNa crime wave (=a sudden increase in crime in an area) Larger cities have been the worst hit by the crime wave.largecitybeilla crime spree (=when one person commits a lot of crimes in a short time) He was arrested after a two-day crime spree.bearrestcrime prevention The police can give you advice on crime prevention.the crime rate The crime rate has gone up.havegocrime figures/statistics The new crime figures are not good.figurebea crime syndicate American English (=an organization of criminals) Women found themselves trapped by crime syndicates into prostitution.womanfindtrapsyndicatea crime writer (=someone who writes stories about crimes, especially murder)COMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'do a crime'. Say commit a crime or carry out a crime.THESAURUSillegal actionscrime noun [uncountable and countable] an illegal action or activity, or these actions in general: The police need the public’s help to solve crimes.crime | Crime is on the increase.be | It was a horrific crime.beoffence British English, offense American English noun [countable] a crime, especially one that has a particular description and name in law: It is an offence to drive while using a mobile phone.beuse | a minor offence (=one that is not serious) | a serious offence | a parking offenceparkmisdemeanor noun [countable] American English law a crime that is not very serious: They pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and were fined.pleadbefinefelony noun [uncountable and countable] especially American English law a serious crime: Fewer than 25 percent of the people arrested on felony charges are convicted.arrestchargebeconvict | He committed a series of violent felonies.commitfelonycrimes of stealingrobbery noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of stealing from a bank, shop etc: £100,000 was stolen in the robbery.besteal | The gang carried out a string of daring robberies.carrydarerobberyburglary noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of breaking into someone’s home in order to steal things: There have been several burglaries in our area.beburglarytheft noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of stealing something: Car theft is a big problem.be | thefts of credit cardstheftcardshoplifting noun [uncountable] the crime of taking things from shops without paying for them: They get money for drugs from shoplifting.drugshopliftfraud noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of getting money from people by tricking them: He’s been charged with tax fraud.becharge | credit card fraudlarceny noun [uncountable] especially American English law the crime of stealing something: He was found guilty of larceny.befindphishing noun [uncountable] the activity of tricking people into giving their personal details, bank numbers etc on the Internet, in order to steal money from them: One in four computer users reports that they have been hit by phishing attempts.userreportbeattemptviolent crimesassault noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of physically attacking someone: He was arrested for an assault on a policeman.bearrestmugging noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of attacking and robbing someone in a public place: Muggings usually happen at night.muggingmurder noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of deliberately killing someone: He is accused of the murder of five women.beaccusewomanhomicide noun [uncountable and countable] especially American English law murder: Homicide rates are rising fastest amongst 15 to19-year-olds.rateberisefastrape noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of forcing someone to have sex: In most cases of rape, the victim knows her attacker.caseknowcrimes against propertyarson noun [uncountable] the crime of deliberately setting fire to a building: The school was completely destroyed in an arson attack.bedestroyvandalism noun [uncountable] the crime of deliberately damaging things, especially public property: He often got into fights and committed acts of vandalism.getfightcommitact
noun [countable]Word family
1ART/CULTUREsomeone who produces art, especially paintings or drawings: an exhibition of paintings by local artistspaintingartist → make-up artist at make-up(1)2PERFORMa professional performer, especially a singer, dancer, or actor: Many of the artists in the show donated their fee to charity.artistdonate3informalGOOD/EXCELLENT someone who is extremely good at something: He’s an artist in the kitchen. → con artistTHESAURUSartist someone who produces art, especially paintings or drawings: an exhibition of paintings by 50 contemporary artistspaintingartist | a wildlife artist who specializes in drawing birdsspecializedrawbirdpainter someone who paints pictures: the Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer | Sisley was principally a landscape painter.bephotographer someone who takes photographs, as an art or as a job: Cartier-Bresson was one of the greatest photographers of all time.begreatphotographer | a fashion photographerpotter someone who makes pots or other objects from clay: In Spain, local potters produce ceramics with beautiful brightly-coloured designs.potterceramiccolourdesignsculptor someone who makes sculptures (=a work of art that is made from stone, metal, or wood): The museum has several pieces by the great English sculptor, Sir Henry Moore.havepieceperformance artist someone who uses acting, dance and other actions to create art that expresses an idea: a one-man show by the French performance artist, Orlan
noun [uncountable and countable]Word family1BEAT/DEFEATfailure to win or succeeddefeat inThe socialist party suffered a crushing defeat in the elections.suffercrushelectionShe was a woman who hated to admit defeat.behate2BEAT/DEFEATvictory over someone or somethingdefeat ofThe defeat of the army was followed by the establishment of constitutional government.befollowCOLLOCATIONSverbssuffer a defeat (=be defeated) The party suffered a defeat in the state elections.sufferelectioninflict a defeat on somebody (=defeat someone, especially easily) The army inflicted a heavy defeat on the English.inflictadmit defeat If I left my job, I would be admitting defeat.leavewilladmitaccept defeat It can be very hard to accept defeat.concede defeat (=formally accept that you have lost in a game, election etc) His opponent conceded defeat.concedeface defeat (=be likely to be defeated) In May 1945 Germany faced defeat at the hands of the Allies.facehandallyADJECTIVES/NOUN + defeata big/bad defeat (also a heavy defeat British English) (=by a large amount) The polls were forecasting a heavy defeat for the President.pollbeforecasta crushing/resounding defeat (=a complete defeat, by a very large amount) He quit as Prime Minister following a crushing defeat in regional elections.followcrushelectiona humiliating defeat (=very embarrassing) They are still bitter about their humiliating defeat.behumiliatea disastrous defeat (=very big, and with a very bad result) The party suffered a disastrous defeat in the 2006 election.suffera narrow defeat (=by a small amount) The goalkeeper was blamed for the team’s narrow defeat.beblamean election/electoral defeat It was their worst general election defeat since 1982.beilla military defeat The president resigned following a series of military defeats.resignfollowdefeata shock defeat British English (=very unexpected) Arsenal are now out of the competition, following their shock defeat by Torquay Town.befollow
defeatverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdefeatdefeatsdefeateddefeatingdefeatdefeat2 W3 verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Anglo-French
Origin: defeter ‘to destroy’, from Medieval Latin disfacere, from Latin facere ‘to do’ Verb form1BEAT/DEFEATto win a victory over someone in a war, competition, game etc SYN beat:
They hoped to defeat the enemy at sea.hopedefeat somebody by somethingWe were defeated by 3 goals to 2.bedefeatgoalRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say beat rather than defeat when talking about sport, games, or elections: We were beaten by 3 goals to 2.bebeatgoal2UNDERSTAND#if something defeats you, you cannot understand it and therefore cannot answer or deal with it SYN beat: It was the last question on the paper that defeated me.bedefeat3FAILto make something faildefeat the object/purpose (of the exercise)Don’t let your arms relax as that would defeat the object of the exercise.armwillTHESAURUSbeat to get more points, votes etc than someone. Beat is used especially in spoken English: We should have beaten them easily.shallbeat | I always beat my brother at tennis.defeat to beat someone. Defeat is more formal than beat and is used especially in writing: England were defeated by 2 goals to 1.bedefeatgoal | Bush defeated Kerry in the election.defeattrounce /traʊns/ to defeat someone completely in a game: They were trounced 20–0 by Kuwait.betrouncethrash British English informal, cream American English informal to beat someone very easily in a game: Of course, they totally creamed the other team.cream | I hope we thrash them!wipe the floor with somebody informal to beat someone completely in a game or argument: She wiped the floor with her opponent in the debate.wipe | They won a £1,000 prize after wiping the floor with the opposition in a bowling competition.winwipebowl
noun [countable] someone who supports or belongs to the former Liberal Party in Britain or the Liberal Party in Canada—LiberalLiberal adjective
liberaladjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesliberalliberallib‧e‧ral1 W2 AC /ˈlɪbərəl/
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin liberalis, from liber; → LIBERTY 1STRICTwilling to understand and respect other people’s ideas, opinions, and feelings:
a more liberal attitude towards sexualityI had quite liberal parents.haveparent2supporting or allowing gradual political and social changes OPP conservative: a more liberal policy on issues of crime and punishmentissue3allowing people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedomliberal state/society/democracy etc4LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTgenerous or given in large amounts: a liberal supply of drinksdrinkliberal withIf only they were as liberal with their cash.be → liberally5EXACTnot exact: a liberal interpretation of the original play6liberal education a kind of education which encourages you to develop a large range of interests and knowledge and respect for other people’s opinions
liberalnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Corpus examplesliberalliberalsliberalliberal2 AC noun [countable]Word family someone with liberal opinions or principles OPP conservativeTHESAURUSright-wing adjective a right-wing person or group wants low taxes, a strong army and police force, and the individual to be free from government interference as much as possible: right-wing political partiesparty | Some of his supporters are very right-wing.supporterbe | right-wing policies on gun controlpolicyleft-wing adjective a left-wing person or group wants the government to make society more equal by increasing taxes for rich people, and taking control of important industries and services: a left-wing newspaperleave | His views are very left-wing.viewbeleavegreen adjective [usually before noun] supporting policies and principles which will protect the environment: green politicianspolitician | the Green Party | The government is under pressure to improve its green credentials (=to seem more like it wants to protect the environment).becredentialradical adjective supporting political ideas that will involve great change: radical politicianspolitician | a radical economic reform programmeliberal adjective supporting political ideas that will allow people to have greater freedom: They want the government to have a more liberal policy on drugs.drugmoderate adjective having political opinions which are not extreme: People generally become more moderate as they get older.old | The bill is supported by moderate Republicans.besupportrepublicanextreme adjective having political opinions which are considered to be very unreasonable by many people: His views on immigration are very extreme.viewbe | an extreme right-wing organization
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable] discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time and in which people express different opinions: the gun-control debate in the USThe new drug has become the subject of heated debate within the medical profession.haveheatdebate over/aboutThere has been widespread public debate over the introduction of genetically modified food.havebemodifyThere was much lively debate about whether women should spend more time in the home.bewomanshallA fierce debate raged over which artist’s work should be chosen for the prize.rageshallchoosedebate betweenthe ongoing debate between environmentalists and the road-building lobby over the future of our countrysideenvironmentalistbuildNuclear power has always been a topic that has sparked off considerable debate.havebehavespark2[uncountable and countable]DISCUSS a formal discussion of a particular problem, subject etc in which people express different opinions, and sometimes vote on themdebate on/over/abouta debate on legalized gamblinglegalizegamblea televised debatetelevisehave/hold/conduct a debateIt would have been better to hold the debate during the day.willbewellbe under debateWhat topics are under debate in Congress this week?topicbe3be open to debate (also be a matter for debate)UNCERTAIN if an idea is open to debate, no one has proved yet whether it is true or false SYN debatable: Whether that would have made any difference is open to debate.willmakebeCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesconsiderable debate There has been considerable debate about the way forward for education.havebelively debate (=interesting and involving a lot of different opinions) The conference produced some lively debate.produceintense debate (=in which people put forward strong and different arguments) The future of the nuclear industry has been a matter of intense debate.havebea heated/fierce debate (=in which people express strong opinions in an angry way) There has been a fierce debate over the way the war was fought.havebebefighta wider debate (=involving more people or a more general discussion) We believe that there should be a wider debate on such an important issue.shallwidea public debate (=in which people put forward their ideas publicly, so that everyone can form an opinion.) He called for a public debate on race and discrimination.callnational debate (=one that involves everyone in a country) It is time to start a national debate on the future of the health service.bepolitical debate (=involving members of political parties) There was much political debate on pensions reform.bepensionlong-running debate (=continuing for a long time) the long-running debate about the future of our inner citiesruncityongoing debate (=still continuing) This is unlikely to be the final word in this ongoing debate.beverbshave a debate I think we should have a public debate on this issue.shallprovoke/spark/trigger debate (=cause a debate to start) The episode provoked fierce debate about freedom of speech.provokestifle debate (=prevent people from having a debate) How can the party stifle debate on such an important issue?debate rages (=happens over a period of time and and involves strong feelings) A national debate is now raging over the level of youth crime.beragephrasesbe the subject of debate (=be something that people discuss) Teaching methods have long been the subject of debate.teachmethodbebe a matter of debate (=be something that people have discussed) The effectiveness of the government’s policy has been a matter of fierce debate.havebebe a matter for debate (=be something that people should discuss) The future of the police force is a matter for public debate.beTHESAURUSdiscussion an occasion when you discuss something, or the process of discussing it: After a long discussion, they decided to paint the room pale blue.decide | This led to a discussion of our favourite books.leadbook | There are several projects under discussion (=being discussed).beprojectdebate discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time, in which people express different opinions. Also used to mean a formal discussion of a subject, after which people vote for or against something: There is a lot of debate about the safety of nuclear power.be | The student union is holding a debate on immigration.beholdtalks formal discussions between governments, organizations etc: the Arab-Israeli peace talkstalk | The next round of trade talks will be held in the spring.talkhold | Bilateral talks (=between two groups or countries)on refugees took place in November.talkrefugeetakenegotiations official discussions between two or more groups who are trying to agree on something: The two sides have begun negotiations aimed at ending the dispute.sidebeginnegotiationaimend | International negotiations on reducing sulphur dioxide emissions have ended without agreement.negotiationreduceemissionendconference a large formal meeting at which people from many places discuss their work or research, or important matters relating to their organization: an international conference on nuclear physics | the Labour Party conferenceconsultation a formal discussion in which people who are affected by or involved in something can give their opinions: The govenment promised a full public consultation before a decision was made to build the airport.promisebemake | The revised syllabus was devised after wide consultations with the teaching profession.revisebedeviseconsultationteach
debateverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdebatedebatesdebateddebatingdebatedebate2 AC verb [intransitive and transitive]Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: debatre, from batre ‘to hit’ Verb form1DISCUSSto discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or find a solution:
The issue will be debated on Tuesday.debatedebate whether/what/how etcMeanwhile, philosophers debate whether it’s right to clone an individual.philosopherdebate (something) with somebodyan invitation to debate with William on the future of democracyHis conclusions are hotly debated (=argued about strongly).conclusionbedebate2THINK ABOUTto consider something carefully before making a decisiondebate with yourselfI debated with myself whether I should tell anyone.debateshalldebate who/what/how etcI’m still debating what to do.debatedebate doing somethingFor a moment Mary debated telling Rick the truth.debatetellTHESAURUSto talk seriouslydiscuss to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans: They met to discuss how the building should be designed.meetbuildshalldesign | She refuses to discuss the matter.refusetalk something over to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you: Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family. | You two need to sit down and talk things over.thingdebate to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem: The issue will be debated on Tuesday.debate | The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.debatesanction
verb (past tense rode /rəʊd $ roʊd/, past participle ridden /ˈrɪdn/)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: ridan Verb form1animal [intransitive and transitive]TRAVEL to sit on an animal, especially a horse, and make it move along:
She learned to ride when she was seven.learnbeHe was riding a large grey mare.berideride onShe arrived riding on a white horse.arriverideride away/across/through etcHe rode away across the marshes.ridemarsh2bicycle/motorbike [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] to travel on a bicycle or motorbike: He had never learned to ride a bicycle.havelearnThey mounted their bikes and rode off.mountbikeride3vehicle [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] especially American EnglishTRAVEL to travel in a bus, car, or other vehicle that you are not driving: We got onto the bus and rode into San Francisco.getrideride inThe kids were riding in the back.kidberideride a bus American English: Ann rides the bus to work.ride ► Do not use ride to talk about someone controlling a car or other vehicle. Use drive: the man who was driving the stolen car4in a lift [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] American EnglishTRAVEL to travel up or down in a liftride up/downHe rode the elevator down to the first floor.rideI rode up to the tenth floor.ride5water/air a)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to be floating in water or in the air: The smaller boat was lighter and rode higher in the water.smallbelightridehighThe moon was riding high in the sky.berideThere was a large ship riding at anchor in the bay.beride b)ride a wave to float on a wave and move forward with it: surfboarders riding the wavessurfboarderridewave6be riding highHAPPY to feel very happy and confident: They were still riding high after their election victory.beride7let something ride spokenIGNORE to take no action about something that is wrong or unpleasant: What he had said was wrong, and I knew I shouldn’t just let it ride.havesaybeknow8ride roughshod over somethingIGNORE to ignore someone else’s feelings or ideas because you have the power or authority to do this: The planning authorities should not ride roughshod over the wishes of local people.planauthorityshallwish9annoy somebody [transitive] American English spokenANNOY to annoy someone by often criticizing them or asking them to do things: Why are you riding her so hard?beride10ride on sb’s shoulders/backCARRY if a child rides on someone’s shoulders or back, they are carried in that way11ride a punch/blowBACK/BACKWARDS to move back slightly when someone hits you, so that you are not hit with so much force: He managed to ride the punch.manage12be riding for a fall informalFAIL to be doing something unwise which could result in failure: I had a feeling he was riding for a fall, and tried to tell him so.havefeelberidetryride on something phrasal verb DEPEND/IT DEPENDSif one thing is riding on another, it depends on it: He knew he had to win – his reputation was riding on it.knowhaveberideThere’s a lot riding on this match.rideride something ↔ out phrasal verb1if a ship rides out a storm, it manages to keep floating until the storm has ended2SURVIVEif you ride out a difficult situation, you are not badly harmed by it: Most large companies should be able to ride out the recession.companyshallride up phrasal verb SHOW/LET SB SEE STHif a piece of clothing rides up, it moves upwards so that it is no longer covering your body properly
ridenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrideridesrideride2 S3 noun [countable]
Word family1car/train etcDRIVE a journey in a vehicle, when you are not driving → liftride inHe invited me to go for a ride in his new car.inviteCan you give me a ride back to town?Sammy had promised to take me for a ride in his truck.havepromiseI managed to get a ride down to the station.manageWe hitched a ride (=got a free ride from a passing vehicle) into town.hitchcar/bus/train etc rideA fifteen minute taxi ride will take you to the airport.a smooth/comfortable/bumpy etc rideThe new model offers a lovely smooth, comfortable ride.offer2horse/bicycle a journey on a bicycle, a horse, or a similar animalride onCan I have a ride on your bike?a bike/bicycle rideShall we go for a bike ride this afternoon?3a rough/easy ride informalUNPLEASANT if people give someone, especially someone in authority, a rough or an easy ride, they make a situation difficult or easy for them: Journalists gave the Prime Minister a rough ride at the press conference.journalistgiveThe chairman will face a rough ride from shareholders.shareholderThe President will not have an easy ride when he gives his account of events.giveevent4a bumpy ride informalPROBLEM if something has a bumpy ride, it experiences a lot of problems: Shares had a bumpy ride yesterday, falling by an average of 15%.sharehavefallThe new bill could be in for a bumpy ride when it is put before parliament.canbe5take somebody for a ride spokenTRICK/DECEIVE to trick someone, especially in order to get money from them: I’d just begun to realise he was taking me for a ride.beginbetake6come/go along for the ride spokenTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to join what other people are doing just for pleasure, not because you are seriously interested in it: A couple of friends had come along for the ride.friendhave7machine a large machine that people ride on for fun at a fair: We went on loads of rides.goloadride8pathROAD/PATH literary a path for riding on a horse in the countryside: a grassy rideCOLLOCATIONSverbstake/have a ride Visitors can take a ride on a steam train.visitorgo for a ride He went for a ride in a private plane piloted by a friend.gopilotgive somebody a ride Ellie gave us a ride to school.giveget a ride AmE: I left the farm that night, and got a ride into town.leavegethitch a ride (=get a free ride from a passing vehicle) He hitched a ride to Denver on a truck.hitchtake somebody for a ride Hugh took me for a ride in his new car.takeADJECTIVES/NOUN + ridea car/bus/train etc ride The resort is a short bus ride away from the hotel.bea short/long ride I climbed slowly aboard the bus for the long ride to Hawkesworth.climba smooth/comfortable ride The new suspension produces a smoother ride.producesmootha bumpy ride Part of the flight had been a bumpy ride through a thunderstorm.havebeTHESAURUSby plane/boat/car/bicycle etcflight a journey by air: You should check in at the airport two hours before your flight.shallhourvoyage /ˈvɔɪ-ɪdʒ/ a long journey over the sea: MacArthur’s epic round-the-world voyagecrossing a short journey by boat from one piece of land to another: A 30-minute ferry crossing takes you to the island.crosstakecruise a journey by boat for pleasure: a Mediterranean cruise | a cruise down the Niledrive a journey in a car, often for pleasure: The drive through the mountains was absolutely beautiful.mountainberide a short journey in a car, or on a bicycle or horse: It’s a twenty-minute taxi ride to the station. | a bike ride
noun [countable]Sense 1-3:Date: 1800-1900
Language: Dutch
Origin: baas ‘man in charge’Sense 4:
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: boce, from Vulgar Latin bottia 1the person who employs you or who is in charge of you at work → employer, manager, supervisor:
I’ll have to ask my boss for a day off.Since I’m my own boss (=I work for myself, rather than for an employer), my hours are flexible.hourbe2informal someone with an important position in a company or other organization: the new boss at Paramount Picturespictureunion bossesboss3CONTROLthe person who is the strongest in a relationship, who controls a situation etc: When you first start training a dog, it’s important to let him see that you’re the boss.trainYou’ve got to show the kids who’s boss.getkid4a round decoration on the surface of something, for example on the ceiling of an old buildingTHESAURUSboss the person who is in charge of you at work. Boss sounds rather informal. The usual word to use in more formal English is manager: Does your boss know you're looking for another job?dolookmanager the person in charge of a business such as a shop, a bank, or a hotel, or of a part of a business: I'd like to speak to the hotel manager. | the sales managersale | the manager of an Italian restauranthead the person who is in charge of an organization or a department within that organization: the head of the CIA | My wife's head of the French department at the university. | He was the former head of the American Cancer Society.bechief the most important person or one of the most important people in an organization such as the police, the fire department, or the army: the chief of police | police/army/fire chiefschief | Health chiefs have secured cash to build two new hospitals.chiefsecurehospitalpresident especially American English the person who is in charge of a large company or a department within a company: the president of CBS news | Angry shareholders called for the resignation of the company president.shareholdercallmanaging director British English the person who is in charge of the daily management of a company or organization: He's the managing director of a small printing firm.manageprintchief executive (also chief executive officer, CEO) the person who is in charge of the daily management of a company: the CEO of General Motorsmotor | Universal Studios is looking for a new chief executive.studiobelooksupervisor someone who is in charge of a group of workers, whose job is to make sure that the workers do what the manager wants: He was employed as a warehouse supervisor.beemployline manager the manager who is directly in charge of you in a company: If you want to take a holiday, first ask your line manager.report to somebody if you report to someone in a company, that person is directly in charge of you: Jan is based in Birmingham and reports to the Head of Marketing.bebasereportmarket
bossverbActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbossbossesbossedbossingbossboss2 verb [transitive]Verb form to tell people to do things, give them orders etc, especially when you have no authority to do itboss somebody about British English, boss somebody around American English: Five-year-old girls love to boss people around.girl
bossadjectivePhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesbossbosserbossestbossboss3 adjective informal FASHIONABLEvery good, attractive, or fashionable: a boss car
noun [countable]Word family1POLITICSsomeone who works in politics, especially an elected member of the government: politicians who are trying to get the minority votepoliticianbetrya British Labour politician2DEAL WITHsomeone who is skilled at dealing with people or using the situation within an organization to gain an advantage: the office politicianCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + politiciana Labour/Republican etc politician Her mother was a Labour politician.bean opposition politician (=belonging to the party that is not in power – used in some political systems) Opposition politicians argued that there was not enough reason to go to war.politicianarguebea left-wing/right-wing politician He had been under attack from right-wing politicians for some time.havebepoliticiana leading/prominent politician The scandal ruined the careers of several leading politicians.ruincareerleadpoliticiana senior politician Talks between senior politicians in Zagreb and Belgrade took place.talkpoliticiantakea local politician The plan is strongly supported by local politicians.besupportpoliticianan elected politician Are the country’s elected politicians trustworthy?beelectpoliticianpopular He is the most popular politician in the country.becorrupt (=one who is not honest) They make quiet deals with corrupt politicians.dealpoliticianastute/shrewd (=one who is good at getting what he wants done) He proved to be an astute politician.proveTHESAURUSpolitician someone who works in politics, especially an elected member of the government: senior politicianspoliticianstatesman a political or government leader, especially one who is well-respected: a respected elder statesmanrespectold | great statesmen like Roosevelt and Churchillstatesman | He would later describe the king as ‘one of the most brilliant statesmen I have ever been privileged to meet’.willlatestatesmanbeprivilegeMP/Member of Parliament in Britain, someone who has been elected to a parliament to represent people from a particular area of the country: Ken Newton, MPcongressman a man who is a member of a congress, especially the US House of Representatives: a Republican congressmancongresswoman a woman who is a member of a congress, especially the US House of Representatives: Mrs McKinney was the state’s first black congresswoman.besenator a member of the senate, especially in the US: Senator Clintonrepresentative in the US, a member of the House of Representatives: Democratic Representativesrepresentativemayor someone who has been elected to lead the government of a town or city: Boris Johnson was elected Mayor of London.beelect | the former New York mayor, Rudy Giulianispin doctor someone who is used by a political party to influence people’s opinions by cleverly controlling what is reported in the news: The party spin doctors would like us to believe that the government is committed to improving the environment.doctorwillbecommitimprove
adjective (comparative sadder, superlative saddest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: sæd ‘having had enough’ 1feeling unhappySAD/UNHAPPY not happy, especially because something unpleasant has happened OPP happyfeel/look/sound sad
Dad looked sad and worried as he read the letter.lookworrybe sad to hear/see/read etc somethingI was very sad to hear that he had died.behavediesad thatLilly felt sad that Christmas was over.feelbesad aboutI was sad about the friends I was leaving behind.befriendbeleavesad smile/face/expression etcThere was such a sad look in her eyes.beeye2making you unhappySAD/UNHAPPY a sad event, situation etc makes you feel unhappy: Sorry to hear the sad news.It was a sad case. The boy ended up in prison.beendsad story/song/film etca story with a sad endingendit is sad to see/hear etc somethingIt was sad to see them arguing.bearguesad time/day/moment etcThis is a sad day for us all.be3not satisfactoryRIGHT/PROPER# very bad or unacceptable: There aren’t enough teachers, which is a sad state of affairs (=bad situation).teacherbeaffairit’s sad that/when/if ...It’s sad if people are too afraid to go out alone at night.bethe sad fact is (that) spoken: The sad fact is that prejudice still exists.beexistSad to say (=unfortunately), the country is heading towards civil war.behead4lonelySAD/UNHAPPY a sad person has a dull, unhappy, or lonely life: She’s a sad character – without any friends at all.friend5boring informal boring or not deserving any respect: Stay in on Saturday night? What a sad idea!6sadder and/but wiserLEARN having learned something from an unpleasant experience: He came out of the relationship sadder but wiser.comesadwise → sadnessCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsa sad story/song/film He had listened patiently to his client’s sad story about her awful life.havelistensad news It was with great shock that we heard the sad news that he had died.behearhavediea sad fact It’s a sad fact that a significant amount of crime is committed by young people.becommitthe sad truth The sad truth is that the new law will not deter criminals.becriminala sad day/time I’m really disappointed that this happened. It’s a sad day for football.disappointhappena sad case Take the sad case of Gary Marsh, who was badly injured during a match.beinjurea sad ending The film has a sad ending.haveendthe sad thing (=the sad part of a situation) The sad thing is that there’s little we can do about the situation now.beTHESAURUSsad not happy: She felt sad as she waved goodbye.feelwave | a sad and lonely figure | a sad face | a sad filmunhappy sad, especially for a long time – used about people and periods of time: I was unhappy at school.be | an unhappy childhood | He’s obviously a deeply unhappy person.homesick [not before noun] sad because you are away from your home, family, and friends: She sometimes felt homesick when she first arrived in Japan.feelarrivedown [not before noun] informal feeling sad for a few hours or days, often for no reason: Whenever I’m feeling down, I go out and buy myself some new clothes.feelclothe | She’s been kind of down since that argument with Jack.begloomy looking or sounding sad and without hope – used about people, places, and weather: Why are you all looking so gloomy?belook | the gloomy immigration office | a gloomy afternoon in Februarydejected/downcast looking sad and disappointed because something you hoped for did not happen: ‘I didn’t pass,’ he said, looking dejected.saylook | a downcast expression | He was understandably downcast after the team’s loss.bemournful especially literary looking or sounding sad: the dog’s big mournful eyeseye | the mournful sound of the church bell | a mournful expressionglum looking sad and disappointed: Don’t look so glum! Maybe you’ll win next time. | They sat in glum silence.sitwistful especially literary looking a little sad and thoughtful, because you wish that the situation was different: She looked at him with a wistful smile.lookvery sadmiserable very sad, especially because you are lonely, cold, ill, or upset – used about people and periods of time: I felt miserable and blamed myself for what had happened.feelblamehavehappen | Her life was miserable.be | I had a miserable time at college.havedepressed very sad and without hope for a long time, because things are wrong in your life or because of a medical condition: After his wife left him, he became depressed and refused to talk to anyone.leavebecomedepressrefuseheartbroken extremely sad because of something that has happened to someone or something that you care about very much: She was heartbroken when her dog died.bediedistressed/distraught very upset because of something bad that has happened, so that you cannot think clearly: She was very distressed when he left her.bedistressleave | The boy’s hospital bed was surrounded by distraught relatives.besurroundrelativedevastated [not before noun] extremely sad and shocked, because something very bad has happened: The whole town was devastated by the tragedy.bedevastateCOLLOCATIONS CHECKsad person/expression/story/song/filmunhappy person/expression/childhood/marriagegloomy person/expression/place/weatherdejected/downcast person/expressionmournful sound/eyes/expression
SADnounSADSADSAD /sæd/
noun [uncountable] medical the abbreviation of seasonal affective disorder
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: tæppe 1for recording a)[uncountable] narrow plastic material covered with a special magnetic substance, on which you can record sounds, pictures, or computer informationon tape (=recorded on tape)
We’ve got the film on tape.getI hate hearing my voice on tape.hear b)[countable] a special plastic box containing a length of tape that you can record sound on SYN cassette: I’ll listen to the tape tomorrow.William lent me some of his Beatles tapes.lendtapetape ofWe played a tape of African music and began dancing.playbegindanceBring me a blank tape and I’ll record it for you. c)[countable] a special plastic box containing a length of tape that you can record sound and pictures on SYN videotape2sticky material [uncountable] a narrow length of plastic that is sticky on one side and is used to stick things together SYN Sellotape British English, Scotch tape American English: a photo stuck to the wall with tapestick3thin piece of material [uncountable and countable] a long thin piece of plastic or cloth used for purposes such as marking out an area of ground or tying things together: Crime-scene tape marked out the position of the murdered man.markmurder4the tape a string stretched out across the finishing line in a race and broken by the winner5for measuring [countable] a tape measure → red tape
tapeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestapetapestapedtapingtapetape2 AC verb
Verb form1record something [intransitive and transitive] (also tape record) to record sound or pictures onto a tape: Would you mind if I taped this conversation?willtapeQuiet – the machine’s still taping.tape2stick something [transitive]STICK to stick something onto something else using tapetape something to somethingThere were two pictures taped to the side of the fridge.bepicturetape3fasten something [transitive] (also tape up)FASTEN/DO UP to fasten a package, box etc with sticky tape4injury [transitive usually passive] (also tape up) especially American English to tie a bandage firmly around an injured part of someone’s body SYN strap British English: His ankle had been taped.havebetape5have (got) something/somebody taped British English informalUNDERSTAND to understand someone or something completely and know how to deal with them: You can’t fool Liz – she’s got you taped.gettapeTHESAURUSfasten to join together the two sides of a piece of clothing, bag, belt etc: He fastened the necklace behind her neck.fastenattach to fasten something firmly to another object or surface, using screws, nails, tape, glue etc: The boards were attached with screws.boardbeattachscrew | The prisoner was attached to the wall with chains.beattachchainjoin to connect or fasten things together: Join the pieces using a strong gluepieceuseglue to join things together using glue: Glue the fabric to the white card.tape to fasten something using tape: The students' name cards were taped to the table.studentcardbetapestaple to fasten something using staples (=a small piece of wire that is pressed through paper using a special machine): Don't staple your resumé to your cover letter.clip to fasten things together using a clip (=a small metal object): A photo was clipped to the letter.becliptie to fasten a tie, shoelaces etc by making a knot: Don't forget to tie your shoelaces!shoelacedo something up especially British English to fasten a piece of clothing or the buttons etc on it: The teacher doesn't have time to do up every child's coat. | Let me do it up for you.button (up) to fasten a shirt, coat etc with buttons: His shirt was buttoned right to the top.bebuttonzip (up) to fasten a piece of clothing, a bag etc with a zip: Zip up your jacket, it's cold.buckle (up) to fasten a seat belt, belt, shoe etc that has a buckle (=small metal object that fits through a hole in a strap): The little girl struggled to buckle her shoes.struggleshoeunfasten/untie/undo/unbutton/unzip to open something that is fastened: Do not unfasten your seatbelt until the car has stopped completely.havestop
noun1[plural, uncountable]CRUEL cruel or violent treatment of someone: several cases of child abusecasephysical/sexual/racial abuseMany children suffer racial abuse at school.childAn independent committee will look into alleged human rights abuses.allegerightabuse2[uncountable and countable]USE STH the use of something in a way that it should not be used SYN misuseabuse ofgovernment officials’ abuse of powerofficialA self-monitoring tax system is clearly open to abuse (=able to be used wrongly).monitorbealcohol/drug abuse (=the practice of drinking too much or taking illegal drugs) → solvent abuse3[uncountable]INSULT rude or offensive things that someone says when they are angry: vandalism and verbal abuse directed at old peopledirecta torrent/stream of abuse (=a series of rude or angry words)shout/hurl/scream abuse at somebodyThe other driver started hurling abuse at me.starthurl → a term of abuse at term1(3)
abuseverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesabuseabusesabusedabusingabusea‧buse2 /əˈbjuːz/ verb [transitive]Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: abuser, from Latin abusus, past participle of abuti, from ab- ‘away’ + uti ‘to use’ Verb form1CRUELto treat someone in a cruel and violent way, often sexuallysexually/physically abused
She was sexually abused as a child.beabuse2USE STHto deliberately use something for the wrong purpose or for your own advantage: Williams abused his position as Mayor to give jobs to his friends.abusejobfriendMorris abused the trust the firm had shown in him.abusehaveshowpeople who abuse the systemabuse alcohol/drugsThe proportion of drinkers who abuse alcohol is actually quite small.drinkerbe3INSULTto say rude or offensive things to someone SYN insult: Many soldiers in Belfast are verbally abused.soldierbeabuseHe came to the help of another driver who was being racially abused by three white passengers.comebebeabusepassenger4DESTROYto treat something so badly that you start to destroy it: James abused his body for years with heroin and cocaine.abuseyear—abuserabusersabuser noun [countable]
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1600-1700Language: Late Latin
Origin: specificus, from Latin species; → SPECIES 1[only before noun]ONLY a specific thing, person, or group is one particular thing, person, or group OPP non-specific:
games suitable for specific age groupsgamegroupa specific example of alcohol’s effect on the body2DETAILdetailed and exact OPP non-specific: Mr Howarth gave us very specific instructions.giveinstructionspecific aboutCould you be more specific about what you’re looking for?canlook3specific to something formalONLY limited to or affecting only one particular thing: a disease specific to horseshorse
specificnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryCorpus examplesspecificspecificsspecificspecific2 AC noun1specifics [plural]DETAIL particular detailsspecifics ofthe specifics of the lawsuitspecificgive/go into/provide etc specificsThurman was reluctant to go into specifics about the deal.bespecific2[countable] medical a drug that has an effect only on one particular disease
noun
Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: garde 1person [countable] a)someone whose job is to protect a place or person:
There were two security guards on duty outside the building.beguardbuildWe were stopped by border guards.bestopguardArmed guards were posted by the exit.armguardbepost b)someone whose job is to prevent prisoners from escaping: The prison guards were reasonably friendly.guardbe2protection [uncountable]PROTECT the act or duty of protecting places or people, or of preventing prisoners from escapingbe on guardWho was on guard the night the fire broke out?bebreakkeep/stand guard (over somebody/something)Gunmen stood guard at the camp entrance.gunmanstandbe under (police/armed etc) guard (=to be guarded by a group of people)He was taken to hospital, where he is now under police guard.betakebe3soldiers a)[singular] a group of soldiers who guard someone or something: The President has called in the National Guard.havecall b)the Guards British English a group of soldiers who protect the king or queen4equipment [countable]PROTECT something that is used to protect someone or something from damage or injury: a face guarda fire guard5on a train [countable] British English a person whose job is to be in charge of a train SYN conductor American English6on your guardCAREFUL to be paying attention to what is happening in order to avoid danger, being tricked etc: These men are dangerous so you’ll need to be on your guard.manbeSomething in his tone put her on her guard.7catch/throw somebody off guardREADY to surprise someone by doing something that they are not ready to deal with: Senator O'Hare was caught off guard by the question.becatch8guard of honour a group of people who walk or stand together at a special occasion in order to show respect: Police colleagues formed a guard of honour at her funeral.colleagueform9the old guard a group of people in an organization who want to do things in the way they were done in the past: the Communist old guard10fighting [singular] the position of holding your arms or hands up in a fight in order to defend yourself: He swung at me and I brought my guard up.swingbring11sport [countable] a)one of two players on a basketball team who is responsible for moving the ball to help their team gain points b)one of two players on an American football team who plays either side of the centre
guardverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesguardguardsguardedguardingguardguard2 verb [transitive]Verb form1PROTECTto protect a person, place, or object by staying near them and watching them: The Sergeant told Swift to guard the entrance.tella lioness guarding her cubsguardcubguard somebody/something against somethingThere is no one to guard these isolated farms against attack.beisolatefarm2to watch a prisoner to prevent them from escaping3to protect something such as a right or a secret by preventing other people from taking it away, discovering it etc: chiefs who jealously guarded their independencechiefguarda closely guarded secretguard4to prevent another sports player from gaining points, getting the ball etcguard against something phrasal verb PREVENTto prevent something from happening: Exercise can guard against a number of illnesses.numbillnessguard against doing somethingNurses should guard against becoming too attached to their patients.nurseshallbecomeattachpatientTHESAURUSprotect to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness: Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. | The government wants to protect the environment.want | Eating healthily helps to protect against many diseases.eathelpdiseasegive/offer/provide protection to protect someone from something harmful: Wearing a hat offers some protection from the sun.wearoffer | The drug can give protection against cancer. | The law provides no protection.provideguard to protect a person, place, or object by staying near them and watching them: Police officers guarded the entrance to the building.officerguardbuild | He is guarded by armed men.beguardarmmansave to protect someone or something when they are in danger of being harmed or destroyed: Local people are fighting to save the theatre from demolition.befight | Emergency aid could save millions of people who are threatened with starvation.canbethreatenpreserve to keep something, especially buildings or the environment, from being harmed, destroyed, or changed too much: The organization works to preserve forests.workforest | There is little money for preserving historic buildings.bepreservebuildingsafeguard to protect something important, such as people’s rights, interests, jobs, health etc: The deal will safeguard 200 jobs at the factory.job | Laws should do more to safeguard the rights of victims.lawshallrightvictimshield to put something in front of something else to protect it. Also used to talk about protecting people from unpleasant situations: He lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the light.lifteye | They thought the public should be shielded from the truth.thinkshallshieldshelter to provide a place where someone or something is protected from the weather or from danger: The village is sheltered by a belt of trees.besheltertree | His family had sheltered Jews during the war.haveshelterharbour British English, harbor American English to help and protect someone who has done something illegal, and prevent the police from finding them: He is accused of harbouring suspected terrorists.beaccuseharboursuspectterrorist
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: cirice, from Late Greek kyriakon, from Greek kyriakos ‘of the lord’, from kyrios ‘lord, master’
1 [countable] a building where Christians go to worship → cathedral: a short church servicechurch bellsbell2[uncountable] the religious ceremonies in a church: Mrs Dobson invited us to dinner after church.inviteMy parents go to church every Sunday.parentat churchWe didn’t see you at church this morning.3[countable] (also Church) one of the separate groups within the Christian religion: the Catholic Church4[singular, uncountable]RELIGION the institution of the Christian religion, and all the priests and other ministers who are part of it: the church’s attitude towards marriageseparation of church and stateCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + church the local church (=the one in a particular area, or near where you live) The local church dates from the 12th century.datea parish church British English (=the main Christian church in a particular area) This is the parish church for three villages near here.bevillagea country/town church an attractive country church surrounded by treessurroundtreea (Roman) Catholic church I followed the crowds to the Roman Catholic church for Mass.followcrowdverbsgo to church (also attend church formal) (=go to a regular religious ceremony in a church) Do you go to church?marry/get married in a church I’d like to get married in a church.marrychurch + NOUNa church service (=a religious ceremony in a church) There’s a church service at 10:30 every Sunday morning.a church hall (=a large room in a church) The dance was held in the church hall.beholdchurch music church music for small choirschoirchurch bells I could hear the church bells ringing.canbellringa church tower I looked at the clock on the church tower.looka church spire/steeple (=a church tower with a pointed top) The tall church spires could be seen from far away.spirecanseethe church choir (=a group of people who lead the singing in a church) Steve’s a member of the local church choir.a church wedding (=in a church) She wants to have a church wedding.wantTHESAURUSMeaning 3religious groupchurch one of the different groups within the Christian religion – used especially in names: The Roman Catholic church is expanding.beexpand | members of the Church of Englandmemberdenomination a religious group that has slightly different beliefs from other groups who belong to the same religion: Our staff come from churches of all denominations.churchdenomination | Several denominations have developed among Jews.denominationdevelopsect a religious group that has separated from a larger group: He is a leader in the powerful Ansar Sunni Muslim sect.becult an extreme religious group that is not part of an established religion: Members of the cult all committed suicide on the same day.membercommit
noun
1request [countable]ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH an urgent request for something importantappeal forThe police have issued a new appeal for information.issueappeal toAll the organizations involved have sent urgent appeals to the government, asking for extra funding.organizationinvolvesendappealaskfundThe girl’s family have made a public appeal for help to try and catch her killer.makeappeal to somebody to do somethingan appeal to the army to not use too much force2request for money [countable] an attempt to persuade people to give money in order to help people who need something: The appeal has nearly reached its target of £100,000.havereach3request to change decision [uncountable and countable]TRIAL a formal request to a court or to someone in authority asking for a decision to be changedappeal toan appeal to the European Court of Human Rightsrighton appealThe sentence was reduced to three years on appeal.bereduceyear4being attractive [uncountable]ATTRACT a quality that makes people like something or someone: What is the particular appeal of this island?beThe programme has a very wide appeal.haveappeal forThe film has great appeal for young audiences.haveaudienceShe’s definitely got sex appeal (=she is sexually attractive).get → court of appealCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsmake/issue/launch an appeal Detectives are making an urgent appeal for information.detectivebemake | The hospital has launched an appeal to raise money for new equipment.havelaunchrenew an appeal (=make an appeal again) Detectives renewed their appeal for help from the public.detectiverenewadjectivesan urgent appeal The fire service has made an urgent appeal for more part-time firefighters.havemakefirefightera desperate appeal The family made a desperate appeal to their daughter to come home.make | The London-based relief agency issued a desperate appeal for aid.baseissuea direct appeal The police have issued a direct appeal to the witness to come forward with information.issuea personal appeal Muslim leaders made a personal appeal for the hostage's freedom.leadermakea public appeal She made a public appeal for the return of the ring.makea fresh appeal (=one that you make again) The growing instability in the country has led to fresh appeals for calm.growhaveleadappeala nationwide appeal The missing 15-year-old was found yesterday after a nationwide appeal for help.missbefindan international appeal The organization has now launched an international appeal for volunteers.havelaunchvolunteera television appeal Following a national television appeal, several callers have phoned the police with information.followcallerphoneCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbsmake an appeal My client is planning to make an appeal.beplanlodge/file/bring an appeal (=make an appeal) Mr Sarhadi, who has lived here for three years, has lodged an appeal against extradition.haveliveyearhavelodgeconsider an appeal The US Supreme Court could refuse to consider the appeal.canhear an appeal (=listen to all the facts) The FA will hear Chelsea's appeal against the fine next week.win/lose an appeal Unless she wins her appeal she will be imprisoned.winimprisonuphold/allow an appeal (=give permission for a decision to be changed) Judge Gabriel Hutton upheld Smith's appeal against a £250 fine.upholddismiss/throw out/turn down an appeal (=not give permission for a decision to be changed) The taxpayer's appeal was dismissed and the penalty upheld.bedismissupholdan appeal fails/succeeds If the appeal fails, he will serve his full sentence.failappeal + NOUNthe appeal court British English, the appeals court American English The ruling was reversed in the appeal court.rulebereversethe appeal process The appeal process could take as long as three years.canyearadjectivesa formal appeal She decided to make a formal appeal through her lawyer.decidephrasesthe Court of Appeal The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction.quashgrounds for an appeal (=reasons for making an appeal) You need to have reasonable grounds for your appeal.grounda right of appeal The taxpayer has no statutory right of appeal against the demand.havepending appeal (=until an appeal can take place) Both men were under house arrest, pending appeal of their convictions.manbeconvictionTHESAURUSattraction noun [uncountable and countable] a feature or quality that makes people like, want, or feel interested in something: The excitement is part of the attraction of the job.be | For many mothers, the attraction of childcare in the workplace is the chance to be near their children.motherbechild | The idea of living in another country does have a certain attraction.livedoappeal noun [uncountable and countable] a quality that makes people like something or someone: Much of Corfu’s appeal lies in its lively night life.lie | I don’t understand the appeal of this kind of music.the lure of something noun [singular] a very attractive quality that makes you want something very much – often used about something that has a bad effect or influence: It’s hard to resist the lure of credit cards and easy money.card | The lure of urban life is especially powerful for the young.becharm noun [uncountable and countable] a pleasant quality that someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be influenced by them: He was physically attractive and possessed considerable personal charm.bepossess | The book captures Savannah’s old Southern charm perfectly.captureglamour noun [uncountable] the attractive and exciting quality that is connected with wealth and success: the glamour of Monte Carlo | Hollywood glamour | The world of modelling is famous for its glitz and glamour.modelbedraw noun [singular] something that makes people want to do something or go somewhere: The money is a big draw for many players.beplayer | The island’s main draw is its wonderful beaches.bebeach
appealverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesappealappealsappealedappealingappealappeal2 S3 W3 verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: apeler ‘to accuse, appeal’, from Latin appellare, from appellere ‘to drive to’, from ad- ‘to’ + pellere ‘to drive’ Verb form1ask [intransitive]ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to make a serious public request for help, money, information etcappeal for
Church and community leaders have appealed for calm.leaderappealappeal toFarmers have appealed to the government for help.farmerappealappeal to somebody to do somethingThe police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward and talk to them.appeal2ask to change decision [intransitive and transitive]TRIAL to make a formal request to a court or someone in authority asking for a decision to be changed: She is not happy with the decision and plans to appeal.beplanappeal againstBoth men intend to appeal against their convictions.manconvictionappeal toAppealing to the referee does not often result in a decision being changed.appealdobechange3be attractiveATTRACT [intransitive] if someone or something appeals to you, they seem attractive and interestingappeal toThe programme appeals to young children.appealchildThe idea of working abroad really appeals to me.workappeal4appeal to sb’s better nature/sense of justice etcPERSUADE to try to persuade someone to do something by reminding them that it is a good or fair thing to do: You could always try appealing to his better nature.canappealwell
adjective (comparative safer, superlative safest)
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: sauf, from Latin salvus ‘safe, healthy’ 1not in danger [not before noun]SAFE not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen OPP unsafe → safety:
She doesn’t feel safe in the house on her own.safe fromThe birds’ nests are high up, safe from predators.birdnestbepredatorMake sure you keep these documents safe.documentbe (as) safe as houses British English (=be completely safe)Your money will be as safe as houses.house2not harmed or lost not harmed, lost, or stolen: Your family are all safe.besafe and sound/well (=unharmed, especially after being in danger)The missing children were found safe and sound.misschildbefind3not causing harmSAFE not likely to cause any physical injury or harm OPP dangerous: Flying is one of the safest forms of travel.flybesafeformDon’t go near the edge – it isn’t safe.a safe working environmentworkit is safe (for somebody) to do somethingIs it safe to swim here?besafe to use/drink/eat etcThe water is treated to make it safe to drink.betreatsafe forplay areas that are safe for childrenareabechild(at/from) a safe distanceWe watched from a safe distance.watchDrivers should keep a safe distance from the car in front.drivershallsafe driverWomen are safer drivers than men.womanbesafedriverman4no riskCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY not involving any risk and very likely to be successful: a safe investmenta safe method of contraceptionit’s safe to say/assume (that)I think it’s safe to say that the future is looking pretty good.belook5safe placeSAFE a place where something is not likely to be stolen or lostkeep/put something in a safe placeKeep your credit cards in a safe place.card6safe journey/arrival/return etcSAFE a journey etc when someone or something is not harmed or lost: His family celebrated his safe return home.celebratesafe journey British English (=said to someone when they start a long journey)Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.ring7subjectAGREE a safe subject of conversation is not likely to upset anyone or make people argue: I kept to safe subjects, like the weather.keepsubject8to be on the safe side spokenCAREFUL to do something in order to be certain to avoid an unpleasant situation: I’d take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.9be in safe handsDEPEND ON/RELY ON to be with someone who will look after you very well: Everyone wants to feel that their children are in safe hands.wantchildbehand10better (to be) safe than sorry spokenCAREFUL used to say that it is better to be careful, even if this takes time, effort etc, than take a risk that may have a bad result: Set the alarm clock – better safe than sorry!well11safe in the knowledge that ... completely certain that something is true or will happen: She went out, safe in the knowledge that no one else was awake.gobe12a safe pair of handsDEPEND ON/RELY ON someone you can trust to do a difficult job without making mistakes13safe! British English spoken informal used by young people to show approval of something: ‘Alex is having a party.’ ‘Oh, safe!’behave14no problem British English spoken informal used to say that something is good and that there is no problem: ‘How’s your new boss?’ ‘She’s safe.’ → play it safe at play1(9), → it’s a safe bet (that) at bet2(4), → safe seat at seat1(2), → sb’s secret is safe (with somebody) at secret2(1)THESAURUSnot in dangersafe not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen. Also used about a place where someone or something is safe: I don’t feel safe around here. | Keep your valuables in a safe place.secure if something is secure, it is safe from thieves and criminals. Also used about a place where something is safe: How do I know that my personal details are secure?detailbe | The money is in a very secure place.bewell protected not likely to be damaged or harmed by something: The equipment was well protected from the rain.beprotect | Always make sure that you are well protected from the sun.beprotectout of harm’s way in a place where someone or something cannot be hurt or damaged: She put the glass vases on the top shelf, out of harm’s way.vase | Make sure that he stays out of harm’s way.staynot harmed or damagedsafe not harmed or damaged: The children are all safe.childbeOK/all right informal safe and not hurt: I was glad to hear that you were OK.bebeunharmed not hurt: The kidnappers released the young man unharmed.releaseunscathed /ʌnˈskeɪðd/ not hurt or damaged, after an accident, an attack, or a dangerous experience – used when you are surprised by this: The baby escaped unscathed.escape | Miraculously, the old part of the city remained unscathed.remainin one piece informal not harmed or damaged, especially after a journey or a dangerous experience: I’m glad you’re home in one piece.out of danger safe, after being in a dangerous situation: As soon as they were out of danger, they stopped for a rest.bestop | His doctors say he is out of danger.doctorbe
safenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessafesafessafesafe2 noun [countable]Word family
a strong metal box or cupboard with special locks where you keep money and valuable things
safeinterjectionCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriessafesafesafe3 interjection British English informal said by young people as a greeting
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: criminel, from Late Latin criminalis, from Latin crimen; → CRIME 1CRIMErelating to crime:
Experts cannot agree on the causes of criminal behaviour.expertcauseI was sure he was involved in some kind of criminal activity.bebeinvolveShe has not committed a criminal offence (=a crime).havecommitHe was arrested and charged with criminal damage (=damaging someone’s property illegally).bearrestchargeThe doctor was found guilty of criminal negligence (=not taking enough care to protect people you are responsible for).befind2relating to the part of the legal system that is concerned with crime → civil: The case will be tried in a criminal court.tryWe have no faith in the criminal justice system.The police are investigating the matter, and he may face criminal charges (=be officially accused of a crime).beinvestigatechargeShe usually deals with serious criminal cases.dealcasea criminal lawyer3BAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONSwrong, dishonest, and unacceptable SYN wicked: It seems criminal that teachers are paid so little money.seemteacherbepay—criminallycriminally adverb: a hospital for the criminally insane—criminalitycriminality /ˌkrɪməˈnæləti, ˌkrɪmɪˈnæləti/ noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1nounscriminal activity There was no evidence of any criminal activity.bea criminal offence/act (=a crime) Cruelty to animals is a criminal offence.animalbecriminal behaviour Is it possible that the tendency to criminal behaviour is inherited?bebeinheritcriminal wrongdoing American English (=actions that are illegal) The investigation cleared him of any criminal wrongdoing.clearcriminal damage British English (=damaging someone's property illegally) He was charged with criminal damage to his boss's car.bechargecriminal negligence (=not taking enough care to protect people you are responsible for) Charges of criminal negligence were brought against senior staff.chargebebringa criminal investigation (=when a possible crime is investigated) The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the bombing.beconductbombCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsthe criminal justice system How effective is our criminal justice system?becriminal law I’m more interested in criminal law than civil law.interesta criminal charge (=an official accusation that someone has committed a crime) He’s been arrested on a very serious criminal charge.bearresta criminal record (=a record, kept by the police, of the crimes someone has committed) It can be hard for someone with a criminal record to find work.a criminal case The crown court usually deals with criminal cases.dealcasea criminal trial His year-long criminal trial ended in October.endcriminal proceedings (=actions to deal with criminals, such as charging people with crimes or bringing them to trial) Criminal proceedings have been started against the officers connected with the events.proceedingbestartofficerconnecteventa criminal court The trial will take place in an international criminal court.a criminal lawyer (=who deals with criminal cases)
criminalnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1 2Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescriminalcriminalscriminalcriminal2 noun [countable]Word family someone who is involved in illegal activities or has been proved guilty of a crime → offender: Police have described the man as a violent and dangerous criminal.describea convicted criminal (=someone who has been found guilty of a crime)convictThe new law will ensure that habitual criminals (=criminals who commit crimes repeatedly) receive tougher punishments than first-time offenders.criminaltoughpunishmentoffenderTeenagers should not be sent to prison to mix with hardened criminals (=criminals who have committed and will continue to commit a lot of crimes).teenagershallsendhardencriminalTHESAURUScriminal someone who is involved in illegal activities or has been proved guilty of a crime. Criminal is used especially about someone who often does things that are illegal: Criminals are stealing people's credit card details off the Internet.criminalbestealdetail | He is one of the most wanted criminals in the United States.bewantcriminalunitestateoffender someone who breaks the law: The courts should impose tougher punishments on offenders.courtshalltoughpunishmentoffender | a special prison for young offendersoffendercrook informal a dishonest person, especially one who steals money and who you cannot trust: Some politicians are crooks, but not all of them.politicianbecrook | They're just a bunch of crooks.crookfelon law especially American English someone who has committed a serious crime: Convicted felons should not be allowed to profit from their crimes.convictfelonshallallowcrimethe culprit the person who has done something wrong or illegal: The culprits were never found.culpritbefind | If I ever catch the culprit, he or she is in big trouble.be | The culprits were just six years old.culpritbeyeardelinquent a young person who behaves badly and is likely to commit crimes - used especially in the phrase juvenile delinquent: He later worked with juvenile delinquents in a Florida youth services program.lateworkdelinquentserviceaccomplice someone who helps a criminal to do something illegal: Police believe the murderer must have had an accomplice.havedifferent types of criminalthief someone who steals things: Car thieves have been working in the area.thievebework | The thieves stole over £5,000 worth of jewellery.thievestealrobber someone who steals money or valuable things from a bank, shop etc – used especially when someone sees the person who is stealing: a masked robber armed with a shotgunmaskarm | They were the most successful bank robbers in US history.beburglar someone who goes into people’s homes in order to steal: The burglars broke in through a window.burglarbreakshoplifter someone who takes things from shops without paying for them: The cameras have helped the store catch several shoplifters.camerahelppickpocket someone who steals things from people’s pockets, especially in a crowd: A sign warned that pickpockets were active in the station.warnpickpocketbeconman/fraudster someone who deceives people in order to get money or things: Conmen tricked the woman into giving them her savings, as an ‘investment’.conmantrickgivesavingforger someone who illegally copies official documents, money, artworks etc: a forger who fooled museum curatorsfoolcuratorcounterfeiter someone who illegally copies money, official documents, or goods: Counterfeiters in Colombia are printing almost perfect dollar bills.beprintbillpirate someone who illegally copies and sells another person’s work: DVD piratespiratemugger someone who attacks and robs people in public places: Muggers took his money and mobile phone.muggertakemurderer someone who deliberately kills someone else: His murderer was sentenced to life imprisonment.besentence | the murderer of civil rights activist Medgar Eversright | He is a mass murderer (=someone who kills a large number of people).beserial killer someone who kills several people, one after the other over a period of time, in a similar way: Shipman was a trusted family doctor who became Britain's worst serial killer.betrustbecomeillrapist someone who forces someone else to have sex: Some rapists drug their victims so that they become unconscious.rapistvictimsex offender someone who is guilty of a crime related to sex: Too many sex offenders are released from prison early.offenderbereleasevandal someone who deliberately damages public property: Vandals broke most of the school’s windows.vandalbreakwindowarsonist someone who deliberately sets fire to a building: The warehouse fire may have been the work of an arsonist.be
verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: declarare, from clarare ‘to make clear’ Verb form1state officially [transitive]SAY/STATE to state officially and publicly that a particular situation exists or that something is true:
A state of emergency has been declared.havebedeclaredeclare thatThe court declared that Brown’s case should be reviewed.declareshallreviewdeclare somebody/something (to be) somebody/somethingSeveral countries wanted Antarctica to be declared a ‘world park’.countrywantdeclareThe city was declared to be in a state of siege.bedeclareI declare you man and wife.declare something illegal/invalid etcThe war was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice.bedeclareMr Steel has been declared bankrupt (=it has been officially stated that he cannot pay his debts).havebedeclareWe celebrate September 16, the day when Mexico declared independence from Spain (=officially stated that it was no longer ruled by Spain).declare2state what you think [transitive]SAY/STATE to say publicly what you think or feel: ‘It’s not fair,’ Jane declared.declareHe declared his intention to stand for president.declaredeclare thatCarol held a press conference and declared that she was innocent.holddeclarebedeclare yourself (to be) somethingEdward declared himself angry and frustrated.declarefrustrate3declare war (on somebody/something) a)WARto state officially that you are at war with another country b)informalWAR to say that something is wrong and that you will do everything you can to stop it: Angry residents have declared war on the owners of the factory.residentdeclareowner4money/property etcMONEY/PROPERTY ETC [transitive] a)to state on an official government form how much money you have earned, what property you own etc: All tips are counted as part of your earnings and must be declared.tipbecountdeclare b)to tell a customs official that you are carrying goods on which you should pay tax when you enter a country5declare an interestOWN to tell people that you are connected with something that is being discussed: I should, at this point, declare an interest: I own shares in the company.shallshare6cricket [intransitive] to choose to end your team’s turn before all your players have batteddeclare against somebody/something phrasal verb AGAINST/OPPOSEto state publicly that you oppose someone or somethingdeclare for somebody/something phrasal verb SUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLANto state publicly that you support someone or somethingTHESAURUSto say somethingsay to tell someone something, using words: ‘I really ought to go,’ she said.say | Lauren said she’d probably be late.saystate to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts: The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before.statehavesee | Please state your name and address.announce to publicly tell people about something: The chairman announced his resignation.announce | The results will be announced tomorrow.resultannounce | We will announce the winners next Sunday.winner | They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.beannouncetimedeclare to say something very firmly: ‘My personal life is none of your business,’ she declared.bedeclaremention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details: Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school?dohappen | Your name was mentioned!bementionexpress to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words: Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions.childemotioncomment to say what your opinion is about someone or something: The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.beasknote/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing: We have already noted that most old people live alone.note | Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.remarkcomputerbeansweradd to say something more, after what has already been said: He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.addthinkcandopoint out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant: Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour.pointchildsign | It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.pointair to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differences: The programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration.listenerview | Workers were able to air their grievances.workerbegrievancevoice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etc: The president has already voiced his support for the proposal.havevoice | She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.voicehostage
noun (plural qualities)Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: qualité, from Latin qualitas, from qualis ‘of what kind’ 1[uncountable and countable]GOOD/EXCELLENTBAD how good or bad something is:
Much of the land was of poor quality.beUse only high quality ingredients.ingredientquality ofThe quality of the water is reasonably good.be2[countable usually plural]CHARACTER/PERSONALITY something that people may have as part of their character, for example courage or intelligence → characteristic: He shows strong leadership qualities.showqualitythe personal qualities necessary to be a successful salesmanqualityquality ofthe qualities of honesty and independencequality3[countable]CHARACTER OF STH something that is typical of one thing and makes it different from other things, for example size, colour etc: the drug’s addictive qualityquality ofthe physical and chemical qualities of the rockquality4[uncountable]CHARACTER OF STH a high standard: his pride in the quality of his craftsmanshipwines of qualitywine5quality of lifeCHARACTER OF STH how good or bad your life is, shown for example by whether or not you are happy, healthy, able to do what you want etc: drugs that improve the quality of life for very ill patientsdrugpatientCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + qualitygood/high I was impressed that the quality of their work was so high.beimpressbepoor/low The magazine is printed on low quality paper.beprintexcellent/outstanding The T-shirts are only $10 and the quality is excellent.shirtbebesuperior formal (=good or better quality) These speakers offer superior quality sound.speakertop quality Our chef uses only top quality ingredients.useingredientwater/air quality Scientists took samples to test the water quality.scientisttakesamplesound quality I apologise for the poor sound quality of this recording.recordpicture quality (also image quality) Does this type of TV set have a better picture quality?dowellverbsimprove/enhance the quality The measures will improve the quality of the water in the river.measureaffect the quality Lack of sleep started to affect the quality of his work.starttest/check/monitor the quality The equipment is used to monitor the city’s air quality.beusemaintain the quality Staffing problems made it difficult to maintain the quality of the service.staffproblemmakethe quality goes up/down I think the quality has gone down over the years.havegoyearthe quality suffers (=it is badly affected by something) The picture quality suffers if the signal isn’t digital.sufferquality + NOUNquality standards Greater investment is needed to meet the European Union’s strict quality standards.greatbeneedstandardCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'living quality' or 'life quality'. Say quality of life.THESAURUScharacteristic something that is typical of someone or something and makes them easy to recognize: He had several characteristics which made him different to the rest of his family.havecharacteristicmake | the physical characteristics of the braincharacteristic | He studied the special characteristics of adult speech addressed to children.studycharacteristicaddresschildquality a characteristic of a person, especially a good one such as kindness or intelligence: Tina has a lot of good qualities.havequality | I’m not sure about his leadership qualities.quality | Obedience is a quality that my father admires.beadmirefeature an important or interesting characteristic of something: it seems to be a feature of modern society that we tend to judge ourselves by our work above everything else.seem | A curious feature of the novel is the absence of women.bewoman | The building still has many of its original features.buildhavefeatureproperty [usually plural] technical a characteristic of a substance or object, for example hardness or elasticity, or how it behaves - used especially in scientific contexts: We examined the physical properties of various metals.examinepropertymetal | changes in the electrical properties of cellschangepropertycell | Some plants have healing properties.planthealpropertyattribute formal a good or useful characteristic: I suspected I probably did not quite possess all the attributes required to succeed at the highest level.suspectdoattributerequirehigh | All living things are able to reproduce their kind, an attribute which no machine possesses..livethingbepossessgood/bad points good or bad characteristics – used when someone or something has both good and bad characteristics: The seller will obviously emphasize the car’s good points.point | Draw up a list of your partner’s good and bad points.point
qualityadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesqualityqualityquality2 adjective [only before noun]1GOOD/EXCELLENT[no comparative] very good – used especially by people who are trying to sell something: quality child-care at prices people can affordpricequality double glazingglaze2quality newspapers/press etc British English newspapers etc intended for educated readers
noun [countable]
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: siute ‘act of following, group of helpers’, from Vulgar Latin sequita, from sequere; → SUE
1clothes a set of clothes made of the same material, usually including a jacket with trousers or a skirt: a grey lightweight suita business suita tweed suitShe was wearing a black trouser suit.bewear → morning suit2bathing/jogging etc suit a piece of clothing or a set of clothes used for swimming, running etc → boiler suit, shell suit, sweat suit, tracksuit, wet suit3law a problem or complaint that a person or company brings to a court of law to be settled SYN lawsuit: Johnson has filed suit against her.havefilea civil suit4office worker informal a man, especially a manager, who works in an office and who has to wear a suit when he is at work: I bought myself a mobile phone and joined the other suits on the train to the City.buyjoinsuit5cards one of the four types of cards in a set of playing cards6sb’s strong suitGOOD AT something that you are good at: Sympathy is not Jack’s strong suit.be → in your birthday suit at birthday(3), → follow suit at follow(14)
suitverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessuitsuitssuitedsuitingsuitsuit2 S3 W3 verb [transitive]Verb form1CONVENIENTto be acceptable, suitable, or convenient for a particular person or in a particular situation: Whatever your reason for borrowing, we have the loan that suits your needs.borrowsuitneedThere’s a range of restaurants to suit all tastes.restauranttasteThere are countryside walks to suit everyone.bewalkWe have gifts to suit every pocket (=of all prices).giftEither steak or chicken would suit me fine.willThe climate there will suit you down to the ground (=suit you very well).grindsuit something to somethingShe had the ability to suit her performances to the audience.haveperformance2[not in passive]SUIT/LOOK GOOD TOGETHER clothes, colours etc that suit you make you look attractive: That coat really suits Paul.suitRed suits you.suitJill’s new hairstyle doesn’t really suit her.3best/well/ideally/perfectly etc suited to/for somethingSUITABLE to have the right qualities to do something: The activity holidays on offer are really best suited to groups.holidaybewellsuitgroupland well suited for agriculturesuitthe candidate most ideally suited to doing the jobsuitdo4suit yourself spokenDON'T CARE used to tell someone they can do whatever they want to, even though it annoys you or you think they are not doing the right thing: ‘Mind if I sit here?’ he said gently. ‘Suit yourself.’say5suit sb’s book British English informalSUITABLE to fit well into someone’s plansCOLLOCATIONSnounssuit somebody's needs/requirements The building has been adapted to suit the needs of older people.buildhavebeadaptneedoldsuit somebody's taste Users can customize the home page to suit their personal tastes.usertastesuit somebody's purpose It suited her purpose to let him believe the lie.suitsuit somebody's mood You can adjust the colour of the lighting to suit your mood.lightsuit somebody's style Choose a racket that suits your style of play.suitsuit the circumstances When writing emails, most people vary the style to suit the circumstances.writeemailcircumstancesuit the occasion I thought a simple black dress would suit the occasion.thinkwillsuit somebody's pocket (=cost as much as they feel they can pay) The choice is wide, with something to suit everyone's pocket.beadverbssuit somebody well Our new house suits us very well.suitsuit somebody perfectly The arrangement suited me perfectly.suitsuit somebody fine informal: Either Monday or Tuesday would suit me fine for our meeting.willmeetsuit somebody down to the ground informal (=suit someone very well) Country life suits you down to the ground.suitgrind
noun
Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: principe, from Latin principium ‘beginning’, from princeps; → PRINCE 1moral rule [uncountable and countable]GOOD/MORAL a moral rule or belief about what is right and wrong, that influences how you behave:
Schools try to teach children a set of principles.schoolchildprincipleHe’s got no principles at all!getprincipleIt’s against my principles to accept gifts from clients.principlegiftclient2idea behind something [countable]BELIEVE the basic idea that a plan or system is based on: The general principle is that education should be available to all children up to the age of 16.beshallchildbasic/fundamental/guiding principlethe basic principles of business managementprincipleprinciple ofthe principles of French lawprincipleprinciple thatReflexology is based on the principle that specific areas on the feet correspond to different parts of the body.bebaseareafootparton a principleThe project worked on the principle that each person’s experience was equally valuable.workbeprinciple behindthe principles behind government policiesprinciplepolicyHe called for a return to first principles (=the most important ideas) of road safety for children.callprinciplechildSimilar principles apply in the case of older children (=the principles are the same as others that have been mentioned).principleoldchild3in principle a)POSSIBLEif something is possible in principle, there is no good reason why it should not happen, but it has not actually happened yet SYN theoretically: In principle, the new software should make the accounting system a lot simpler.shallaccountsimple b)AGREEif you agree to something in principle, you agree about a general plan or idea but have not yet considered the details: They have accepted the idea in principle.acceptThe government has agreed in principle to a referendum.haveagree4rules of a process [countable]EXPLAIN a rule which explains the way something such as a machine works, or which explains a natural force in the universe: Archimedes’ principleprinciple ofthe basic principles of physicsprinciple ► Do not confuse the noun principle with the noun and adjective principal: a former principal of the college | her principal tasksCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesstrict principles Rosa is a woman of strict moral principles.beprinciplestrong principles (=that someone believes in very strongly) a man of strong principlesprinciplehigh principles (=strong beliefs about right and wrong) Dunn's high principles and pleasant manner won him the real affection of his colleagues.principlewincolleaguemoral principles Criminal law should be used to protect and reinforce moral principles.shalluseprinciplereligious/political principles Doesn’t working on Sunday conflict with your religious principles?workprinciplesocialist principles Would he stick to his socialist principles after being elected Prime Minister?willprinciplebeelectverbshave principles I may have no money and no power but I have principles.principlestick to your principles (=act according to them, even when this is difficult) Throughout this time, he stuck to his principles and spoke out against injustice.stickprinciplespeakbetray/compromise your principles (=do something that is against your principles) I knew I could lie to help him, but it would be betraying my principles.knowcanwillbetrayprincipleabandon your principles (=stop believing in them or trying to act by them) It has been said that he abandoned his basic political principles while he was in power.havebesayabandonprinciplebephrasesbe against sb’s principles It’s against my principles to eat meat.principleas a matter of principle (=because of moral beliefs about right and wrong) As a matter of principle one should never yield to terrorism.shalla man/woman of principle (=someone with strong moral ideas) He is the only candidate who has demonstrated that he is a man of principle.behavedemonstratebeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesa general/broad principle He explained the general principles of the constitution.explainprinciplean important principle One important principle is that you should give yourself plenty of reward for your success.beshalla basic/fundamental principle (=a very important principle to which other ideas are added) Applicants should show that they understand the basic principles of marketing.applicantshallprinciplemarketa guiding principle (=a principle that helps you decide what to do) Fairness is the guiding principle.beguidefirst principles (=the most basic ideas that something is based on) The researchers went back to first principles.researchergoprincipleverbsbe based on a principle A good education ought to be based on multicultural principles.baseprinciplea principle applies The same principle applies to all kinds of selling.applykindsellthe principle underlying something What are the principles underlying this form of treatment?beprincipleunderlieestablish a principle (=make it accepted) Establish the principle that when your office door is shut you must not be disturbed.bedisturblay down a principle (=describe a principle and make it accepted) The report lays down general principles for the teaching of English.layprincipleteach
adverb COMPLETELYcompletely: The restaurant is fully booked this evening.bebookevenElisa has not fully recovered from the incident.haverecoverI am fully aware of your problems.beproblemThe changes in policy are fully described in the review.changebedescribeI fully accept that what he says is true.saybeThis concept is discussed more fully in Chapter 9.bediscussTHESAURUScompletely to the greatest degree or in every way: That’s a completely different subject. | Bad weather had completely destroyed the crops.havedestroycroptotally/absolutely especially spoken completely: I’m totally exhausted.exhaust | He’s absolutely right.entirely completely – used especially in negative sentences or after ‘almost’: I’m not entirely sure. | The community is almost entirely dependent on farming.befarmutterly completely – used especially to emphasize strongly disapproving words: It was utterly impossible to work in the house.be | The whole thing is utterly absurd.befully completely – used especially to show that you completely understand something or that you have all the information you need: He was fully aware of what was happening.bebehappen | The disease is still not fully understood.beunderstand
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: flyht 1travel [countable] a journey in a plane or space vehicle, or the plane or vehicle that is making the journey → fly:
He immediately booked a flight to Toulouse.bookThere are only three flights a day to Logan Airport from Heathrow.beflight2flying [uncountable] when something flies through the airin flightpelicans in flightpelicanIn 1968, the first supersonic airliner took flight (=began flying).take3movement through air [uncountable] an object’s or bird’s movement through the air: During its flight, the weapon twists and turns.twistturn4stairs [countable] a set of stairs between one floor and the next: Bert lives two flights down from here.liveflighta flight of stairs/stepsShe fell down a whole flight of stairs.fallstair5escape [uncountable] when you leave a place in order to try and escape from a person or a dangerous situationflight fromDonald Woods' hasty flight from South Africa early in 1978woodtake flight (also take to flight )British English: When the alarm sounded, the whole gang took flight.soundtakeput somebody to flight (=make someone run away especially by fighting or threatening them)6IDEAflight of fancy/imagination/fantasy thoughts, ideas etc that are full of imagination but that are not practical or sensible7GROUP OF THINGSbirds [countable] a group of birds all flying together SYN flockflight ofa flight of swallowsswallow → in-flight, top-flightCOLLOCATIONSverbsbook a flight (=reserve a seat on a particular plane) I booked the flight over the Internet.bookget a flight (=book it) I’ll be there tomorrow morning if I can get a flight.catch a flight (=be in time to get on a plane) They caught a flight that night to Frankfurt.catchboard a flight (=get on a flight) We arrived at the departure lounge to board the flight to Madrid.arrivemiss a flight (=arrive too late for a flight) Jack overslept and missed his flight.oversleepmisscharter a flight (=pay a company for the use of their aircraft) The club have chartered a special flight for fans.charterfanoperate flights (=make flights available for people to use) The airline operates three flights a day between London and New York.operateflightget on/off a flight She’d just got off a flight from Buenos Aires.gettravel on a flight Passengers travelling on flight BMI 373 to Zurich should proceed to gate 17.passengertravelshalla flight is cancelled (=a flight that was due to go somewhere does not go) All flights have been cancelled due to fog.flightbecancela flight is delayed (=it is late leaving) Her flight was delayed and she arrived over an hour late.bedelayarrivea flight is diverted (=it is made to change direction and land at a different airport) Our flight was diverted to Manchester because of poor weather.bediverta flight is bound for London/New York etc (=it is going there) Johnson boarded a flight bound for Caracas.boardbindadjectivesgood/pleasant/comfortable Have a good flight!smooth (=with no problems or sudden movements) The flight had been smooth all the way.havebebumpy (=uncomfortable because the plane moved up and down a lot) The flight was very bumpy, and we really wondered whether we would make it.bewonderwilllong/short I was very tired after the long flight.betirecheap flights Environmental groups are calling for an end to cheap flights.groupbecallflighta direct/non-stop flight (=a flight going straight from one place to another without stopping ) the first direct flight to Tokyoan international flight (=a flight between one country and another) The number of international flights increased by over 5% last year.numbflightincreasea domestic/internal flight (=a flight within a country) Is there a domestic flight between Havana and Varadero?bea long-haul flight (=travelling a long distance) You should wear comfortable clothes on a long-haul flight.shallclothea scheduled flight (=a plane service that flies at the same time every day or every week) There are scheduled flights between the islands.bescheduleflightislanda charter flight (=a plane service that is arranged for a particular group or purpose) The company is operating charter flights to Crete.beoperateflighta connecting flight (=a flight that arrives before another one leaves) We had to wait for three hours in New York before catching a connecting flight to Chicago.havehourcatchconnectan intercontinental flight (=a flight that goes from one continent to another, for example from Europe to Asia) Passengers on intercontinental flights can reserve seats with extra legroom.passengerflightseata routine flight (=a normal flight) They were on a routine flight when their helicopter developed engine troublebedevelopan airline flight domestic airline flightsflighta test flight (=a flight to test a new plane) The aircraft made a successful test flight on June 3rd.makea maiden flight (=the first flight of an aircraft) The plane’s maiden flight is scheduled for November.bescheduleflight + NOUNthe flight time (=how long it takes to fly somewhere) Our estimated flight time is three hours and fifteen minutes.estimatebehourminutethe flight path (=the route taken by an aircraft) They lived directly underneath a busy flight path.livethe flight number Write the flight number on all your luggage labels.numblabela flight plan (=the planned route of an aircraft) For some reason the pilot diverged from the flight plan.divergeTHESAURUSby plane/boat/car/bicycle etcflight a journey by air: You should check in at the airport two hours before your flight.shallhourvoyage /ˈvɔɪ-ɪdʒ/ a long journey over the sea: MacArthur’s epic round-the-world voyagecrossing a short journey by boat from one piece of land to another: A 30-minute ferry crossing takes you to the island.crosstakecruise a journey by boat for pleasure: a Mediterranean cruise | a cruise down the Niledrive a journey in a car, often for pleasure: The drive through the mountains was absolutely beautiful.mountainberide a short journey in a car, or on a bicycle or horse: It’s a twenty-minute taxi ride to the station. | a bike ride
adjectiveWord family1relating to industry or the people working in itindustrial production/outputIndustrial production has risen by 0.5% since November.haveriseindustrial development/growthrapid post-war industrial developmentindustrial conflict/dispute/unrest (=disagreement between workers and their employers)Last year 1.3 million workers took part in industrial disputes.workertakedisputeindustrial accident/injury (=happening at work)2having many industriesindustrial countries/nations/statesa meeting of the world’s major industrial nationsmeetnationindustrial area/zonepollution in industrial areasareaBy 1900, Britain was a mainly industrial society.be3of the type used in industry: cleaning products that are for industrial use only (=not to be used at home)cleanproductbe—industriallyindustrially adverb
adverb formalLanguage: Old English
1[sentence adverb]SO/CONSEQUENTLY as a result of something that you have just mentioned: Most of the evidence was destroyed in the fire. Thus it would be almost impossible to prove him guilty.bedestroywill2RESULTin this manner or way: They diluted the drug, thus reducing its effectiveness.dilutereduce3thus farNOW until now: Her political career thus far had remained unblemished.haveremainRegisterThus is formal or literary. In everyday English, people usually say so:So it was decided that he should be chairman.bedecideshallWe haven’t had any problems so far.haveproblemTHESAURUStherefore for this reason: She already had a lot of experience and therefore seemed the best candidate for the job.haveseemwellso therefore. So is less formal than therefore, and is more common in everyday English: They had not eaten all day, so they were very hungry.haveeatbethus formal as a result of what you have just mentioned: The program is very simple and thus easy to run.behence formal for this reason: This material is highly poisonous, hence the importance of careful handling.behandleas a result used when saying that because of a particular situation, something else happens or is true: Some people suffer from stress at work and become ill as a result. | Economic growth slowed down as a result of inflation.slowconsequently/as a consequence used when saying that because of a particular situation, something else happens or is true. Consequently and as a consequence are more formal than as a result: The disease attacks the plant, the flower does not open, and consequently no seeds are produced.attackdoseedbeproduce | As a consequence of global warming, our climate is already starting to change.warmbestartthis means that used when saying what the result of something is: If students arrive late, this means that lesson time is wasted.studentmeanbewastfor this reason used when explaining the reason for something: Spell check programs do not recognize when you have used the wrong word. For this reason, you must still read over your work carefully.programuse
noun
Word familyDate: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: Latin contactus, from the past participle of contigere; → CONTINGENT1 1COMMUNICATIONCONTACT SBcommunication [uncountable] communication with a person, organization, country etccontact with/between
There is very little contact between the two tribes.betribeMany of us have no direct contact with elderly people.in contactWe stay in contact by email.The town is cut off from contact with the outside world.be2TOUCHtouch [uncountable] when two people or things touch each othercontact with/betweenChildren need physical contact with a caring adult.childcareThe disease spreads by sexual contact between infected animals.spreadinfectanimalin contact with somethingFor a second, his hand was in contact with mine.beWhen water comes into contact with air, carbon dioxide is released.comebereleaseon contact (with something)The bomb exploded on contact (=at the moment it touched something).explode3SITUATION/PROBLEMexperience [uncountable] when you meet someone or experience a particular kind of thing: Everyone who came into contact with Di felt better for knowing her.comefeelwellknowPat’s job brings her into contact with the problems people face when they retire.bringproblem4PERSON WHO CAN HELPperson [countable usually plural]KNOW SB a person you know who may be able to help or advise you: He has a lot of contacts in the media.havecontactmediuma worldwide network of contactscontactbusiness/personal contacts5contacts [plural] a situation in which you can communicate easily with a group, country etccontacts with/betweenWe have good contacts with the local community.contactHe goes to great lengths to maintain these contacts.golengthcontactthe establishment of diplomatic contactscontact6point of contact a)MEETa place you go to or a person you meet when you ask an organization for helpfirst/initial point of contactPrimary health care teams are the first point of contact for users of the service.teambeuser b)CONNECTED WITHa way in which two different things are related: finding a point of contact between theory and practicefind c)the part of something where another thing touches it: The sting causes swelling at the point of contact.causeswell7ELECTRICAL PARTelectrical [countable] an electrical part that completes a circuit when it touches another part8eyes [countable] informal a contact lens → eye contact at eye1(5)COLLOCATIONSverbshave contact with somebody I haven’t had any contact with her for at least two years.havelittleyearbe in contact (=have regular communication) He’s been in contact with his lawyer about the situation.beget in contact (=manage to communicate) Where can I get in contact with you while you are away?bestay/keep in contact (also maintain contact formal) We’ve stayed in contact since we met on holiday.staymeetlose contact (=no longer see someone or hear from them) She went to live in Australia and I lost contact with her.golosemake contact We’d like to make contact with other schools in the area.schoolput somebody in contact with somebody (=give someone the name, telephone number etc of another person) I can put you in contact with a friend of mine in Paris.come into contact with somebody (=meet or spend time with somebody) It’s good to come into contact with people from different cultures.culturebring somebody into contact with somebody The job brought me into contact with a lot of interesting people.bringinterestestablish contact The police are trying to establish contact with the kidnappers.betryavoid contact She doesn’t give interviews and avoids contact with the media.interviewavoidmediumsever contact with somebody (=refuse to have any contact with someone) After the divorce, she severed all contact with her husband.severADJECTIVES/NOUN + contactdirect contact (=spending time with somebody) Our volunteers work in direct contact with people who need help.volunteerclose contact (=communicating with somebody often) I like to stay in close contact with my parents.parentpersonal contact (=seeing and speaking to somebody personally) She never comes into personal contact with senior managers.comemanagersocial/human contact (=spending time with other people) He lived alone and had little human contact.livehaveregular contact All students have regular contact with their tutor.studentday-to-day/daily contact I like my job because it involves day-to-day contact with clients.involveclientface-to-face contact (=talking to someone who is with you) Certain types of jobs do not need face-to-face contact.typejobone-to-one contact (=being with only one other person) Children with learning difficulties may need one-to-one contact.childlearndifficultyradio contact (=communication by radio) Air traffic control had lost radio contact with the pilot.havelose
contactverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescontactcontactscontactedcontactingcontactcontact2 S2 W2 AC verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form CONTACT SBto write to or telephone someone: Give the names of two people who can be contacted in an emergency.namecontactPlease do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.query—contactablecontactable adjective [not before noun]: A mobile phone makes you contactable wherever you are.makebeRegisterIn everyday English, people often say get in touch with someone rather than contact someone: Is there a number where I can get in touch with you?benumbTHESAURUScommunicate verb [intransitive and transitive] to exchange information or have a conversation with someone, by telephone, letter etc, or by seeing them: Now that we live in different cities, we communicate by e-mail.city | He is able to communicate using a special keyboard, which is connected to a computer.beusebeconnect | This message is not being communicated to staff.bebecommunicatecontact verb [transitive] to write to, phone, or email someone especially for the first time, in order to give or ask for information: Neighbours contacted police after seeing a man with a gun.neighbourcontactsee | She refused to comment when contacted by reporters from the local newspaper.refusecontactreporterget in touch (with somebody) to write to, telephone, or email someone, especially someone who you do not see very often: I really ought to get in touch with Paula. It's been months since we last spoke.bemonthspeak | You've got my phone number if you need to get in touch.getnumbget hold of somebody to succeed in contacting someone by telephone after trying several times: Where have you been? I've been trying to get hold of you all week.bebetry | It's no use trying to phone Linda at work – she's impossible to get hold of.tryapproach verb [transitive] to contact someone that you do not know or have not contacted before, in order to offer them something or ask them for something: He has already been approached by several professional football teams.havebeapproachteam | The company confirmed that it had been approached about a merger.confirmhavebeapproach
contactadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplescontactcontactcontact3 AC adjective [only before noun]Word family1CONTACT SBcontact number/address/details a telephone number or address where someone can be found if necessary: If you are babysitting, make sure you have a contact number for the parents.bebabysitnumbparent2contact explosives or chemicals become active when they touch something: contact poisonspoison
adjective (comparative quieter, superlative quietest)
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: quietus, from the past participle of quiescere ‘to become quiet, rest’, from quies; → QUIET2 1making no noiseQUIET not making much noise, or making no noise at all:
We’ll have to be quiet so as not to wake the baby.It’s a nice car. The engine’s really quiet.I’ll be as quiet as a mouse (=very quiet). → see box on p.14262not speaking a)TALK TO SBnot saying much or not saying anything: You’re very quiet, Mom – is anything the matter?beI didn’t know anything about it so I just kept quiet.keepThe crowd went quiet.goquiet confidence/satisfaction/desperation (=having a particular feeling but not talking about it)a woman whose life of quiet desperation threatens to overwhelm herthreatenquiet authority/dignity (=not saying much but making other people have a particular feeling about you)Jack’s air of quiet authority b)TALK TO SBsomeone who is quiet does not usually talk very much: a strange, quiet girl3(be) quiet! spokenQUIET used to tell someone to stop talking or making a noise: Tanya, be quiet! I’m on the phone.Quiet, you lot!4keep something quiet/keep quiet about somethingSECRET to keep information secret: You’re getting married? You kept that quiet!getmarrykeep5place with no noise a place that is quiet has no noise or not much noise: Our hotel room was comfortable and quiet.beWhen they walked into the pub, the place went quiet.walkgo6no activity/peoplePEACEFUL without much activity or without many people: It was a Sunday, about three o'clock, and the streets were quiet.bestreetbeI’d love to go on holiday somewhere where it’s nice and quiet.Anthony met her in the bar, and they found a quiet corner where they could talk.meetfindcanI’m going to have a quiet night in (=an evening when you stay at home and relax).goHe wants a quiet life, while she wants to go out partying.wantwantparty7businessBUSY/HAVE A LOT TO DO if business is quiet, there are not many customers SYN slack: August is a quiet time of year for the retail trade.be8keep somebody quietSTOP STH THAT IS HAPPENING to stop someone from talking, complaining, or causing trouble: Give the kids some crayons – that will keep them quiet for a while.kidcrayon9have a quiet word (with somebody) especially British EnglishPRIVATE/PERSONAL to talk to someone privately when you want to criticize them or tell them about something serious: Brian’s just not keeping up with the workload. Can you have a quiet word?keep ► Do not confuse quiet with quite (=fairly).—quietnessquietnessesquietness noun [uncountable] → quietlyTHESAURUSa quiet sound or voicequiet not making a loud sound: I heard a quiet voice behind me.hear | a car with a quiet enginelow quiet – especially because you do not want people to hear or be disturbed: Doug was on the phone, speaking in a low voice.bespeak | I turned the volume down low.turnsoft quiet and pleasant to listen to: Soft music was playing in the background.beplay | His voice was soft and gentle.besilent not making any sound at all: a silent prayer | silent laughter | The machines were virtually silent.machinebehushed deliberately quiet because you do not want people to hear – used about people’s voices: They were talking about money in hushed tones.betalkhushtone | The doctor’s voice was hushed and urgent.behushfaint quiet and difficult to hear because it comes from a long way away: The men went ahead and their voices got fainter and fainter.mangovoicegetfaintfaint | the faint sound of bellsbellmuffled difficult to hear, for example because the sound comes from another room or someone’s mouth is covered by something: Muffled voices were coming from downstairs.mufflevoicebecome | the muffled sound of someone cryingmufflecrydull [only before noun] a dull sound is not loud – used especially about the sound of something hitting another thing: He hit the ground with a dull thud.grindinaudible too quiet to hear: The sound is inaudible to the human ear.be | Her answer came in an almost inaudible whisper.comea quiet placequiet without much noise: It’s so quiet here at night. | This is the quietest room in the house to work in.bequietsilent with no noise at all: The room fell silent (=became silent).fallpeaceful (also tranquil especially written) quiet in a pleasant and relaxing way: Life’s more peaceful in the countryside. | The hotel is set in tranquil surroundings.besleepy [only before noun] quiet – used about a town or village where there are not many people and very little happens: a sleepy fishing villagefishnot saying muchquiet not saying much: He’s a quiet boy who loves reading.loveread | You’re very quiet tonight, Suzy – are you OK?besilent not saying anything: Her husband was a big silent man.be | Everyone was arguing but I decided to remain silent.bearguedecidetaciturn /ˈtæsətɜːn, ˈtæsɪtɜːn $ -ɜːrn/ formal not talking much and seeming a little unfriendly or bad-tempered: He found Vaughn a taciturn and rather difficult person.findreticent unwilling to talk to other people, especially about a particular subject: She’s always been reticent about her early life.bea man/woman of few words someone who does not talk much, especially because they only speak when there is something important to say: My father was a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened.bewordspeaklisten
quietnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesquietquietsquietquiet2 noun [uncountable]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: quies ‘rest, quiet’ 1PEACEFULthe state of being quiet, calm, and peaceful:
We were enjoying the quiet of the forest.beenjoyI’ve had an awful day – now I just want some peace and quiet.have2QUIETsilence: Can I have some quiet, please?3on the quiet British English informalSECRET secretly: We found out he’d been doing some freelance work on the quiet.findbedo
adjective (comparative odder, superlative oddest)
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old Norse
Origin: oddi ‘point of land, triangle, odd number’ 1strangeSTRANGE different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way that you disapprove of or cannot understand:
It was an odd thing to say.bean odd way to behaveThey’re an odd couple.There was something odd about him.beWhat she did was unforgivable, but the odd thing was he didn’t seem to mind.dobebeShe was holding an extremely odd-looking weapon.beholdlookit is/seems odd (that)It seemed odd that he wanted a picture of me.seemwant2the odd occasion/day/moment/drink etc especially British EnglishSOMETIMES a few occasions, days etc that happen at various times but not often and not regularly SYN occasional: Lack of sleep doesn’t matter on the odd occasion.I take the odd day off work.I like the odd glass of wine with my dinner.Jo smokes the odd cigarette.smoke3various [only before noun]VARIOUS/OF DIFFERENT KINDS not specially chosen or collected: Any odd scrap of paper will do.4not in a pair/set [only before noun]GROUP OF THINGS separated from a pair or set: an odd shoeodd socks/gloves etc (=not a matching pair of socks etc)He was wearing odd socks.bewearsock5odd number a number that cannot be divided exactly by two, for example 1, 3, 5, 7 etc OPP even number620-odd/30-odd etc spokenAPPROXIMATELY a little more than 20 etc: I have another 20-odd years to work before I retire.year7the odd man/one out British English someone or something that is different from the rest of the group or not included in it: Which shape is the odd one out?beI was always the odd one out at school.be—oddnessoddnessesoddness noun [uncountable] → oddlyTHESAURUSstrange unusual or surprising, especially in a way that is difficult to understand, or that is a little frightening: What’s that strange noise downstairs? | That’s strange – I’m sure I left my keys on the table.leavekey | a strange old manfunny/odd especially spoken a little strange and making you feel slightly surprised or worried: There’s a funny smell in the kitchen. | It’s odd that you can’t remember him at all.curious especially written strange, especially in an interesting way. Curious is a little more formal than strange: a curious fact | There’s something rather curious about small-town America. | She remembered curious little details.rememberdetailmysterious strange – used about something that people know little about and are unable to explain or understand: He had disappeared in mysterious circumstances.havedisappearcircumstance | There were reports of mysterious lights in the sky.bereportlighteccentric strange in a way that seems slightly crazy and amusing – used about people and their behaviour: He lived completely alone and had some slightly eccentric habits.livehavehabit | an eccentric old ladypeculiar slightly strange, and different from what you would normally expect – used especially when this is either amusing or worrying: She sometimes wears rather peculiar clothes.wearclothe | He had a peculiar expression on his face.have
verb [intransitive]Verb form1FIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STHto try extremely hard to achieve something, even though it is very difficultstruggle to do somethingShe’s struggling to bring up a family alone.strugglestruggle withThe airline is struggling with high costs.bestrugglecoststruggle forMillions of people are struggling for survival.bestrugglestruggle againstFirms are struggling against a prolonged recession.firmbestruggleprolong2a)to fight someone who is attacking you or holding you, especially so that you can escapestruggle withJames was hit in the mouth as he struggled with the burglars.bestruggleburglarstruggle to do somethingShe struggled to free herself.struggle b)if two people struggle, they fight each other for something, especially something one of them is holdingstruggle forThey struggled for possession of the gun.struggleFIGHT3DIFFICULTto move somewhere with great difficultystruggle up/out of/into etcWalkers were struggling up the dusty track.walkerbestruggle4to be likely to fail, even though you are trying very hard: The team has been struggling all season.havebestrugglea struggling artist/writer/businessstruggle on phrasal verb TRY TO DO OR GET STHto continue doing something that you find very difficult or tiring: He struggled on despite his condition.struggleTHESAURUStry to take action in order to do something that you may not be able to do: I tried to explain what was wrong.trybe | He tries hard in class, but he’s finding the work difficult.tryfindattempt to try to do something, especially something difficult. Attempt is more formal than try and is used especially in written English: Any prisoner who attempts to escape will be shot.attemptshoot | He was attempting to climb one of the world’s highest mountains.beattempthighmountaindo your best to try as hard as you can to do something: We will do our best to help them.wellmake an effort to do something to try to do something, when you find this difficult: It is worth making an effort to master these skills.bemakeskill | She made a big effort to be nice to him.makestruggle to try very hard to do something that is very difficult, especially for a long time: She’s still struggling to give up smoking.strugglesmoke | Many of these families are struggling to survive.familybestrugglestrive formal to try very hard to achieve something: The company must constantly strive for greater efficiency.greatendeavour British English, endeavor American English /ɪnˈdevə $ -ər/ formal to try hard to do something: Each employee shall endeavour to provide customers with the best service possible.customerwellhave a go/try informal to try to do something, especially when you are not sure that you will succeed: I’m not very good at fixing taps, but I’ll have a go.fixtap | Do you want to have another try?see if you can do something spoken to try to do something – used when offering to do something, or suggesting that someone should do something: I’ll see if I can get you a ticket. | See if you can persuade her to come.
strugglenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstrugglestrugglesstrugglestruggle2 S3 W3 noun [countable]1FIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STHa long hard fight to get freedom, political rights etcstruggle fora struggle for survivala power struggle between forces favoring and opposing changeforcefavoroppose2a long period of time in which you try to deal with a difficult problemstruggle with/againstShe spoke of her struggles with shyness.speakstruggle3FIGHTa fight between two people for something, or an attempt by one person to escape from the other: Police said there were no signs of a struggle.saybesign4be a struggle (for somebody)DIFFICULT if something is a struggle, you find it very difficult to doTHESAURUSwhen people try to achieve somethingfight the process in which people try to stop something bad from happening or to improve a situation: Schools have an important part to play in the fight against drugs.schooldrug | women’s fight for equalitywomanbattle a fight to change a situation or deal with a problem in society: The battle against racial discrimination is not over.becampaign a planned series of actions intended to achieve something: Motoring organizations started a campaign for safer roads.motororganizationstartsaferoadstruggle a long, hard fight for freedom, independence, equal rights etc: Nkrumah led the people in their struggle for independence.leadcrusade someone’s fight against something they think is morally wrong: She intends to continue her crusade against sex and violence on TV.intend
noun [countable]
Sense 1-7, 9:Date: 1300-1400
Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: billa, from Latin bulla ‘bubble, seal added to a document’; → BOIL1Sense 8,10:
Language: Old English
Origin: bileSense 11:
Date: 1300-1400
Origin: Old Bill 1PAYMENTrequest for payment a written list showing how much you have to pay for services you have received, work that has been done etcbill for
The bill for the repairs came to $650.repaircomeHave you paid the phone bill?pay2restaurant especially British English a list showing how much you have to pay for food you have eaten in a restaurant SYN check American English: Could we have the bill, please?can3LAWlaw a written proposal for a new law, that is brought to a parliament so that it can be discussedapprove/pass/veto a billThe House of Representatives passed a new gun-control bill.representativepassThe senator introduced a bill that would increase the minimum wage.introducewill4MONEYmoney American English a piece of paper money SYN note British English → coin: a five-dollar bill5fit/fill the billSUITABLE to be exactly what you need: This car fits the bill perfectly. It’s cheap and gets good mileage.fitget6CONCERT/SHOW ETCconcert/show etc a programme of entertainment at a theatre, concert, cinema etc, with details of who is performing, what is being shown etc: Tricia topped the bill (=was the most important performer) at the Children’s Variety Show.topchild7give somebody/something a clean bill of healthHEALTHYSAFE to officially state that someone is in good health or that something is working correctly: Maddox was given a clean bill of health.begive8BIRDbird a bird’s beak9advertisement a printed notice advertising an event10part of a hat American English the front part that sticks out on a hat such as a baseball cap11the (old) bill British English spoken the policeCOLLOCATIONSverbspay a bill Most people pay their bills on time.billsettle a bill (=pay it) She went down to the lobby to settle the bill for their rooms.goroomfoot the bill/pick up the bill (=pay for something, especially when you do not want to) Taxpayers will probably have to foot the bill.taxpayerrun up a bill (=use a lot of something so that you have a big bill to pay) It’s easy to run up a big bill on your mobile phone.face a bill (=have a lot to pay on a bill) They were facing a mounting legal bill.befacemountcut/reduce a bill We need to find a way to cut our fuel bill.a bill comes to something (=is for that amount) The bill came to $60.comeADJECTIVES/NOUN + billa big/huge bill Turn off the lights or we’ll get a huge electricity bill.lightan electricity/gas/phone etc bill I’ll have to pay the gas bill too next month.a hotel bill He paid the hotel bill by credit card.paya tax bill There are various ways you can reduce your tax bill.bewayan unpaid bill She had unpaid bills amounting to £3,000.havebillamountan outstanding bill (=still unpaid) He still didn’t have enough to pay his outstanding bills.billTHESAURUSbill a piece of paper that tells you how much you must pay: Many families are struggling to pay their bills.familybestrugglebill | a credit card bill | We got a huge phone bill.get | I asked the waiter to bring me the bill.askcheck American English a bill that tells you how much you must pay in a restaurant: Can I have the check, please?invoice a document that lists the goods that a company has sent, or the services they have provided, and tells you how much you must pay. It is often sent from one company to another company: Payment is due ten days after receipt of the invoice.bedaytab informal a bill that is added up at the end of a period of time, especially for food or drinks that you have had in a restaurant or hotel: People staying in the hotel can order food or drinks to be put on their tab.staydrink
billverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbillbillsbilledbillingbillbill2 verbVerb form1PAY FOR[transitive] to send someone a bill: Clients will be billed monthly.clientbillbill somebody for somethingI was billed for equipment that I didn’t order.bebill2be billed to do something if someone is billed to appear, perform etc somewhere, it has been planned and advertised that they will do this: Johnson was billed to speak at two conferences.bebillconference3bill and cooLOVE old-fashioned to kiss and talk softlybill something as something phrasal verb to advertise or describe something in a particular way: The castle bills itself as the oldest in England.billold
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: desaise, from aise ‘relaxed feeling, comfort’ 1[uncountable and countable] an illness which affects a person, animal, or plantdisease of
She suffers from a rare disease of the brain.sufferHis father died of heart disease.dieShe contracted the disease while she was abroad on holiday.contractbe2[countable] something that is seriously wrong with society or with someone’s mind, behaviour etc: Loneliness is a disease of our urban communities.becommunity—diseaseddiseased adjective: diseased musclesmusclea diseased plantCOLLOCATIONSverbshave a disease How long have you had the disease?havesuffer from a disease About three million people suffer from the disease.catch/get a disease (also contract a disease formal) He caught the disease while travelling in Africa.catchtraveldevelop a disease A few years ago, she developed a serious lung disease.yeardeveloppass on a disease (also transmit a disease formal) They may pass the disease on to their children.childcause a disease Smoking is probably the major factor causing heart disease.smokebecauseprevent a disease It has been claimed that fibre in the diet could help prevent many serious diseases.havebeclaimcandiseasetreat a disease The disease can be treated with antibiotics.treatantibioticcure a disease The plant was believed to cure diseases in humans and cattle.bebelievediseasehumanfight (a) disease (=try to stop it continuing) Some bacteria help the human body fight disease.a disease spreads The government have no idea how far the disease has spread.haveADJECTIVES/NOUN + diseasecommon common childhood diseasesdiseaserare She suffers from a rare bone disease.sufferserious vaccines against serious diseases like hepatitis and meningitisvaccinediseasefatal/deadly (=that causes death) If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.leave | Thousands of children are struck down by this deadly disease every year.childbestrikeincurable (=that cannot be cured) Diseases that were once thought incurable can be treated with antibiotics.diseasebethinktreatantibioticinfectious/contagious (=that spreads quickly from one person to another) The disease is highly contagious.bea skin/brain/lung etc disease The fumes have caused skin diseases among the villagers.fumecausediseasevillagerheart/liver/kidney disease He is being treated for kidney disease.bebetreata hereditary/inherited disease (=that is passed from parent to child) Parents are offered screening for some hereditary diseases.parentbeofferscreendiseasea sexually-transmitted disease (=that is spread by having sex) There was a worrying rise in the number of sexually-transmitted diseases.beworrynumbtransmitdiseasea degenerative disease (=that gradually gets worse) She was suffering from a degenerative disease that confined her to a wheelchair.besufferconfinea chronic disease (=continuing for a long time and not possible to cure) Chronic disease is sometimes seen as an inevitable part of being old.beseebephrasesa cure for a disease There is no known cure for this disease.beknowan outbreak of a disease (=when a disease appears in a number of people or animals) There has been an outbreak of the disease in Wales.havebethe spread of a disease Knowing the facts about AIDS can prevent the spread of the disease.knowfactaidthe symptoms of a disease (=physical signs that someone has a disease) To begin with, there are often no symptoms of the disease.besymptomTHESAURUSillness something wrong with your health which makes you feel ill: Her husband was in hospital for six months with a serious illness.bemonthdisease a particular illness, especially one that spreads to other people easily or that affects one part of your body: childhood diseases such as measles and chickenpoxdisease | heart diseaseinfection an illness that is caused by bacteria or a virus: His cough got worse and worse and became a chest infection.getillillbecomecondition a health problem that affects you permanently or for a long time: a medical condition such as asthma | a heart conditionproblem [usually after a noun] something that is wrong with a particular part of your body or your health in general: a serious back problem | health problemsproblemtrouble [singular, only after a noun] illness or pain that affects a particular part of your body: I’ve had a bit of stomach trouble.havebitedisorder formal an illness that prevents a particular organ of your body from working properly, or affects the way you behave: a liver disorderlive | a blood disorder | Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder.beeat
verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: arester ‘to rest, arrest’, from Vulgar Latin arrestare, from Latin ad- ‘to’ + restare ‘to remain, rest’ Verb form
1CATCHif the police arrest someone, the person is taken to a police station because the police think they have done something illegal: He was arrested and charged with murder.bearrestchargearrest somebody for somethingHer father was arrested for fraud.bearrestI got arrested for careless driving.getarrestdrivearrest somebody in connection with somethingFive youths were arrested in connection with the attack.youthbearrestarrest somebody on charges/suspicion of (doing) somethingHe was arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs.bearrestsupplydrug2formalSTOP STH THAT IS HAPPENING to stop something happening or to make it happen more slowly: drugs used to arrest the spread of the diseasedruguse3literaryINTERESTED if something arrests you or arrests your attention, you notice it because it is interesting or unusual: The mountains are the most arresting feature of the glen.mountainbearrestTHESAURUScatch to stop someone who is trying to escape, especially by running after them and then holding them: He raced after her, but he couldn’t catch her.race | The police caught the bank robbers after a car chase through the city.catchrobberarrest if the police arrest someone, they take him or her to a police station because they think that person has done something illegal: Wayne was arrested for dangerous driving.bearrestdrive | The police arrested him and charged him with murder.arrestchargeapprehend formal if the police apprehend someone they think has done something illegal, they catch him or her: The two men were later apprehended after they robbed another store.manbelateapprehendrob | The killers were never apprehended.killerbeapprehend | All of the kidnappers were apprehended and convicted.beapprehendconvictcapture to catch an enemy or a criminal in order to keep them as a prisoner: The French king was captured by the English at the battle of Poitiers in 1356.becapture | The gunmen were finally captured after a shoot-out with the police.gunmanbecapturetake somebody prisoner to catch someone, especially in a war, in order to keep them as a prisoner: 350 soldiers were killed and another 300 taken prisoner.soldierbekilltake | Ellison was taken prisoner by the Germans during the retreat to Dunkirk.betaketrap to make someone go to a place from which they cannot escape, especially by using your skill and intelligence: Police trapped the man inside a bar on the city’s southside.trapcorner to force someone into a place from which they cannot escape: He was cornered outside the school by three gang members.becornermember
arrestnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesarrestarrestsarrestarrest2 noun [uncountable and countable] CATCHwhen the police take someone away and guard them because they may have done something illegal: The police made several arrests.makearrestA man is under arrest (=the police are guarding him) following the suspicious death of his wife.befollowplace/put somebody under arrest (=arrest someone)He sued the police for wrongful arrest (=when someone who is not guilty is arrested).sue → house arrest, → cardiac arrest at cardiac
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: degré, from Latin gradus ‘step, grade’ 1[countable] (written abbreviation deg.) a unit for measuring temperature. It can be shown as a symbol after a number. For example, 70º means 70 degrees:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.degree20 degrees Celsius/70 degrees Fahrenheit/1 degree Centigrade etcThe temperature dropped to five degrees Centigrade.dropdegree2[countable] (written abbreviation deg.) a unit for measuring the size of an angle. It can be shown as a symbol after a number. For example, 18º means 18 degrees: Then the cylinder is rotated 180 degrees.berotatedegree3[uncountable and countable]AMOUNT the level or amount of somethingdegree of1960s Britain was characterised by a greater degree of freedom than before.becharacterisegreatNewspapers vary in the degree to which they emphasize propaganda rather than information.newspaper4to a degree (also to some degree/to a certain degree)PARTLY partly: To a degree, it is possible to educate oneself.beWe’re all willing to support him to some degree.will5[countable] a course of study at a university or college, or the qualification that is given to you when you have successfully completed the coursedegree ina degree in EconomicsApplicants must have a degree in Engineering.applicantengineeran Honours degreehonour6by degreesSLOW very slowly SYN gradually: By degrees, he forced himself into a sitting position.degreeforcesitCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 5ADJECTIVES/NOUN + degree a good degree (=that you pass at a good level) Mature students are more likely to get a good degree.studentbea university/college degree For many jobs you need to have a university degree.joba first-class/second-class/third-class degree (=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university) She was awarded a first-class degree.beawardan honours degree (=a British university degree that is above pass level) The ideal candidate will have an honours degree.honoura first/undergraduate degree (=the lowest level of degree) First degrees usually take three or four years.degreeyeara higher/postgraduate degree (=one that you take after a first degree) He was offered a grant for a postgraduate degree.beoffera master's degree (=a higher degree for which you study for one or two years) She's taking her master's degree.takea science degree (=in a science subject) The government is encouraging more people to get a science degree.beencouragean arts degree (=in a subject that is not science) She has an arts degree from Sussex University.havearta history/chemistry/law etc degree I decided to do a Maths degree.decidematha joint degree British English (=in which you study two subjects) a joint degree in Economics and Statisticsstatistica research degree (=a higher degree for which you do your own research)verbshave a degree You will earn more if you have a college degree.hold a degree formal (=have one) The ideal candidate will hold a degree in physical chemistry.do/take a degree in something (=study for a degree) Not enough students are taking degrees in Physics.studentbetakedegreeget/gain a degree She worked hard and got a good degree.workgetbe awarded a degree formal (=get one) At the end of the three years, he was awarded a first-class honours degree.yearbeawardhonournounsa degree course I didn't enjoy the first year of my degree course.degree level Candidates should be educated to degree level.candidateshalleducate
noun
1[uncountable] when someone or something is present in a particular place OPP absence: Your presence is requested at the club meeting on Friday.berequestmeetpresence ofTests revealed the presence of poison in the blood.testreveal2in the presence of somebody (also in sb’s presence) formalWITH with someone or in the same place as them: He was determined not to complain in the presence of the nurse.bedetermineI asked you not to smoke in my presence.ask3appearance/manner [uncountable]IMPRESS the ability to appear impressive to people because of your appearance or the way you behave: a man of great presence4official group [singular]HERETHERE a group of people, especially soldiers, who are in a place to control what is happening: We will increase police presence in local communities.communitySoldiers still maintain a military presence in the area.soldier5business [countable usually singular] the ability to gain sales because your business is strong or noticeable: a company with a strong presence in all major world marketsmarket6spirit [countable usually singular]GHOST a spirit or influence that cannot be seen but is felt to be near: They felt a strange presence in the deserted house.feeldesert7make your presence feltEFFECT/INFLUENCE to have a strong and noticeable effect on the people around you or the situation you are in: She was a very pretty girl and made her presence felt almost at once.bemakefeelCOLLOCATIONSverbsindicate the presence of something/somebody These plants indicate the presence of underground water.plantreveal the presence of something/somebody Excavations revealed the presence of an ancient burial ground.excavationrevealgrinddetect the presence of something/somebody They invented a device for detecting the presence of submarines.inventdetectsubmarineconfirm the presence of something/somebody Tests confirmed the presence of an infection.testconfirmexplain the presence of something/somebody How could he possibly explain the presence of so much money in his flat?cannotice somebody's presence If he had noticed her presence, he gave no sign.havenoticegivesense somebody's presence (=be aware that someone is present without seeing them) The man sensed his presence at once and turned sharply.senseturnacknowledge somebody's presence (=speak to someone or make a sign to show that you know they are present) He acknowledged my presence with a quick wave.acknowledgephrasesbe/become aware of somebody's presence It was only when I coughed that he became aware of my presence.becoughbecome
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bord 1INFORMATIONinformation [countable]INFORMATION a flat wide piece of wood, plastic etc that you can use to show informationon a board
The plan of the new building is displayed on a board at the back of the room.buildbedisplayI’ve put a list of names up on the board.nameI’ll check the departure board for train times.time → billboard, blackboard, noticeboard, scoreboard2
for putting things onFOR PUTTING THINGS ON [countable] a flat piece of wood, plastic, card etc that you use for a particular purpose such as cutting things on, or for playing indoor games: Martha was chopping vegetables on a wooden board.bechopvegetablea chess board → breadboard, cheeseboard, chopping board3group of people (also Board)GROUP OF PEOPLE [countable also + plural verb] British EnglishGROUP OF PEOPLE a group of people in a company or other organization who make the rules and important decisionsboard ofThe Board of Directors met yesterday.directormeetThere was disagreement among the agency's board of governors.begovernorsit on a board/have a seat on a board (=be a member of a board)He gave up his seat on the board after 40 years.giveyeara board meetingmeeta board member4in names Board used in the name of some organizations: the New York State Board of Electionselectionthe British Boxing Board of Controlbox5in buildingFOR BUILDING [countable] a long thin flat piece of wood used for making floors, walls, fences etc: We’ll have to take the boards up to check the wiring.boardwire → floorboard6on board a)on a ship, plane, or spacecraft SYN aboard: There are 12 children on board the ship.bechild b)involved with something or working for an organization: Supporters of the treaty say that it will be necessary to have the United States on board.supporterunitestateHe came on board in the late sixties and spent two decades with the agency.comespenddecade7mealsMEALS [uncountable] the meals that are provided for you when you pay to stay somewhere: In the nursing home she will have to pay for room and board.nurseThe landlord provides board and lodging (=meals and a place to stay).providelodge → full board, half board8go by the boardIMPOSSIBLE if an idea, way of behaving, or plan goes by the board, it fails to happen, ends, or is no longer possible: Loyalty has gone by the board.havego9in water sports [countable] a surfboard or sailboard10across the boardEVERYONE if something happens or is done across the board, it affects everyone in a particular group, place etc: The changes will affect local authorities across the board.changeauthorityWe find jobs for people right across the board, from chief executives to cleaners.jobexecutivecleaner11take something on boardACCEPT to listen to and accept a suggestion, idea etc: The school refused to take any of the parents’ criticisms on board.refuseparentcriticism12electricity [countable] a circuit board13theatreTHEATREthe boards [plural] the stage in a theatre → tread the boards at tread1(7)14sports areaSPORTboards [plural] American English the low wooden wall around the area in which you play ice hockey15college/medical boards American English examinations that you take in the US when you formally ask to be accepted as a student at a college or medical school → above board, diving board, drawing board, ironing board, sounding board, → sweep the board at sweep1(11)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 3phrasesa board of directors/trustees The board of directors met yesterday.directormeeta board of governors (=in a school) She sits on the board of governors.sitgovernorthe school board American English The school board voted on the appointment.votethe chairman of the board James Clark has been named chairman of the board.havebenameboard + NOUNa board member Two board members resigned earlier this year.memberresignearlya board meeting An emergency board meeting will have to be held.meetholdat board level (=at a senior level in a company, involving people on the board) The policy was approved at board level.beapproveverbsbe on the board He's on the board of trustees.trusteebe appointed to the board They agreed that an independent chairman should be appointed to the board.agreeshallappointsit/serve on the board She had served on the board of governors of the BBC.haveservegovernorhave a seat on the board He gave up his seat on the board after 40 years' service.giveyearput something to the board (=ask the board to consider something) Their proposals were put to the board.proposalbe
boardverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesboardboardsboardedboardingboardboard2 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] formal to get on a bus, plane, train etc in order to travel somewhere: The couple boarded the train for New York.boardPassengers were standing on the dock, waiting to board.passengerbestandwaitRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say get on a bus, plane etc rather than board: When she heard the news, she got on the next plane for Chicago.hearget2be boarding if a plane or ship is boarding, passengers are getting onto it: Olympic Airways Flight 172 to Istanbul is now boarding at Gate No. 37.airwaybeboard3[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to stay in a room in someone’s house that you pay for: Several students boarded with Mrs. Smith.studentboard4[intransitive] to stay at a school at night as well as during the day: Dickie was sent away to school as soon as he was old enough to board.besendbeboard something ↔ out phrasal verb to pay money and arrange for an animal to stay somewhereboard something ↔ up phrasal verb COVERto cover a window or door, or all the windows and doors of a building, with wooden boards: The shop was boarded up.beboard
verb
Verb form1find out [intransitive and transitive]CHECK/MAKE SURE to do something in order to find out whether something really is correct, true, or in good condition: Check the tiles carefully before you buy them.tileA first rule in solving any mystery is to check the facts.solvebefactFill in the cash book carefully and always check your calculations.calculationcheck (that)Check that all the doors are locked securely.doorbelockcheck whether/how/who etcLet me just check whether the potatoes are cooked.potatobecookThey paused to check how the other climbers were getting on.pauseclimberbegetcheck (something) for somethingI checked the typing for errors.checktypeerrorTurn the tap on and check for leaks.leakcheck something against/with something (=compare something with something else to see whether they are the same)You must check the evidence against other sources and decide if it is reliable.sourcebePositive test results are double-checked (=looked at twice) to make absolutely sure.resultbecheck2ask somebody [intransitive and transitive]CHECK/MAKE SURE to ask someone whether something is correct, true, or allowed: I’m not authorized to give you a refund – I’ll have to check first.authorizecheck (that)Make a phone call to check that you’re writing to the right person.writecheck whether/how/who etcCall the factory to check whether the beds can be delivered today.beddelivercheck withCheck with your doctor before going on a diet.go3not do something [transitive]PREVENT to suddenly stop yourself from saying or doing something because you realize it would be better not to: I had to check the urge to laugh out loud.havecheck yourselfHe grinned, and then checked himself, not wanting to upset Jack.grincheckwant4stop something [transitive]PREVENT to stop something bad from getting worse or continuing to happen: The police are failing to take adequate measures to check the growth in crime.befailmeasure5bags/cases etc [transitive] American English, check in British English to leave your bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take someone’s bags in order to do this: Any luggage over five kilos must be checked.kilocheck6make a markMAKE A MARK [transitive] American English to make a mark (✓ ) next to an answer, something on a list etc to show you have chosen it, that it is correct, or that you have dealt with it SYN tick British English7Check especially American English spoken say this when someone mentions each thing on a list, to tell them that you have it or have done it: ‘Passport?’ ‘Check.’ ‘Ticket?’ ‘Check’.THESAURUScheck to look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly: I’ll just check the water level in the battery. | The immigration officer checked their passports.checkpassport | We need to check the building for structural damage.buildexamine to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out something about it: Experts who examined the painting believe it is genuine.expertexaminepaintbe | The police will examine the weapon for fingerprints.fingerprintinspect to look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly, especially when it is your job to do this: The building is regularly inspected by a fire-safety officer.buildbeinspect | Some insurance people have already been here to inspect the damage caused by the storm.becausego through something to examine something such as a document or plan from beginning to end, especially in order to check that it is correct: You should go through the contract before you sign.shall | I’ve finished my essay, but I just need to go through it to check for spelling mistakes.finishspellmistakedouble-check to check something again so that you are completely sure it is correct, safe, or working properly: I double-checked all my calculations and they seemed fine.checkcalculationseem | Travellers should double-check flight information before setting off today.travellershallsettest to examine or use something in order to find out whether it works or what its qualities are, or in order to check that it is satisfactory: Test your brakes to check they are working correctly.brakebework | These products have not been tested on animals.productbetestanimalmonitor to carefully watch or keep checking someone or something in order to see what happens over a period of time: Doctors monitored her progress during the night.doctormonitor | Observers have been monitoring the situation in Burma closely.observerbemonitorcheck in phrasal verb1if you check in or are checked in at a hotel or airport, you go to the desk and report that you have arrived: Check in two hours before the flight.hourcheck in atHe checked in at the Europa Hotel.checkcheck somebody ↔ inAirline employees were checking in passengers.employeebecheckpassenger → check-in2check something ↔ in to leave your bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take someone’s bags in order to do this: I said goodbye and went to check in my suitcases.saygosuitcase3American English to call someone to tell them that you are safe or where you are: He just called to check in and tell them how he was doing.callbedocheck something ↔ off phrasal verb WRITEto write a mark next to something on a list to show that you have chosen it, dealt with it, or made sure that it is correct: One by one he checked them off on his register.checkcheck on somebody/something phrasal verb1CHECK/MAKE SUREto make sure that someone or something is safe, is in a satisfactory state, or is doing what they should be doing: Honey, can you go upstairs and check on the kids?kidMy neighbour comes in once a week to check on things and feed the fish.comething2to try to find out if something is true or correct: He wanted to check on the girl’s story.wantcheck out phrasal verb1make sure a)check something ↔ outCHECK/MAKE SURE to make sure that something is actually true, correct, or acceptable SYN investigate: I made a phone call to check out his address.makecheck something ↔ out withCheck it out with your boss before you do anything. b)ACCEPTif information checks out, it is proved to be true, correct, or acceptable: His credit record checks out.check2look at somebody/something check somebody/something ↔ outLOOK AT to look at someone or something because they are interesting or attractive: If I hear about a website that sounds interesting, I check it out.soundinterestHey, check out that car!3get information check somebody ↔ out informalFIND OUT to get information about someone, especially to find out if they are suitable for something: I’ll check them out as potential employers.employer4hotel to leave a hotel after paying the bill: We checked out at noon.check → checkout5books check something ↔ out American EnglishBORROW to borrow a book from a library: The library allows you to check out six books at a time.allowbookcheck something/somebody ↔ over phrasal verb1LOOK ATto look closely at something to make sure it is correct or acceptable: They spent the rest of the morning checking over their equipment.spendcheck2EXAMINEto examine someone to make sure they are healthy: I’d like the doctor to check you over and do a few tests.testcheck up on somebody/something phrasal verb1CHECK/MAKE SUREto try to find out if someone is doing what they said they would do or what you want them to do: Don’t worry; no one is going to check up on you.bego2to make sure that something is true or correct: Dustin called me to check up on some facts.callfact
checknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescheckcheckscheckcheck2 S1 W3 noun
Sense 1-4, 6-10:Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: eschec ‘check in chess’, from Arabic shah, from Persian, ‘king’Sense 5:
Date: 1400-1500
Origin: checker ‘chessboard, pattern of squares’ (14-21 centuries), from Old French eschequier, from eschec 1finding out [countable]CHECK/MAKE SURE the process of finding out if something is safe, correct, true, or in the condition it should becheck on
the need for tighter checks on arms salestightcheckarmsaleConduct regular checks on your water quality.checkrun/carry out/make a checkI decided to run a check on all personnel.decideI keep a careful check on my blood pressure.have a check British English: Have a check in your bag first and see if it’s there.the airport’s routine security checkscheckrandom drug checkscheckhealth/medical/dental etc check (=a test done to make sure you are healthy)spot check (=a quick check of one thing among a group of things, that you do without warning)a spot check on the accountsaccount2keep/hold somebody/something in check keep someone or something under control: You must learn to keep your emotions in check.emotionattempts to keep global warming in checkattemptwarmHe made an effort to hold himself in check.make3a control on something [countable usually singular]CONTROL something that controls something else and stops it from getting worse, continuing to happen etccheck onHigher interest rates will act as a check on public spending.highratespend4checks and balances a system that makes it possible for some people or parts of an organization to control the others, so that no particular person or part has too much power or influence5pattern [uncountable and countable] a pattern of squares, especially on cloth: a shirt with brown and black checkscheckcheck suit/jacket etc (=made with cloth patterned with checks)a blue cotton check dress → checked6from your bank [countable]PAY FOR the American spelling of chequecheck fora check for $30by checkCan I pay by check?7in a restaurant [countable] American English a list that you are given in a restaurant showing what you have eaten and how much you must pay SYN bill British English8coat check/hat check American English [countable] a)a place in a restaurant, theatre etc where you can leave your coat, bag etc to be guarded b)a ticket that you are given so you can claim your things from this place9mark [countable] American EnglishWRITE a mark that you put next to an answer to show that it is correct or next to something on a list to show that you have dealt with it SYN tick British English10chess [uncountable] the position of the king (=most important piece) in chess where it can be directly attacked by the opponent’s piecesCOLLOCATIONSverbsdo a check I did a quick check of all the windows, locked the door and left.dowindowlockleavemake a check (=do a check) One of the nurses makes regular checks during the night.nursemakecheckrun a check (=especially on something that is strange or suspicious) You should run a virus check before downloading from the Internet.shalldownloadcarry out/conduct a check formal (=do or run a check) The police carried out a check on the car’s registration number.carrynumbhave a check British English Always have a final check to make sure you’ve got your ticket and passport.getgive something a check I’d like you to give the car a careful check.keep a check on somebody/something (=check something regularly) Keep a check on your baby’s temperature.go for a medical/dental etc check She advised me to go for a medical check.adviseADJECTIVES/NOUN + check a quick check A quick check showed that someone had been in the room.showhavebea thorough/careful check An engineer gave the computer a thorough check.givea routine check (=happening as a normal part of a process) I went to the doctor for a routine health check.goa random check (=done without any definite pattern) Customs officials were carrying out random checks on cars.customofficialbecarrycheckcara regular check It’s vital to keep a regular check on your bank balance.a close check (=a careful one) His teacher was keeping a close check on his progress.bekeepa safety/security check The security checks at the airport can take a long time.checka health/medical check People over 60 should have regular medical checks.shallchecka background check (=to get information about someone’s previous work, education, family etc) The company conducts background checks on security employees.conductcheckemployeea credit check (=to get information about someone’s financial history) Banks usually do a credit check before they give you a loan.banka spot check (=a quick check of one thing in a group done to obtain information) They did a spot check on 160 vehicles to see how many passengers were wearing seat belts.dovehiclepassengerbewearbelta spell check (=a process in which a computer program tells you if you have spelt words wrong) Have you done a spell check on your essay?doTHESAURUSbill a piece of paper that tells you how much you must pay: Many families are struggling to pay their bills.familybestrugglebill | a credit card bill | We got a huge phone bill.get | I asked the waiter to bring me the bill.askcheck American English a bill that tells you how much you must pay in a restaurant: Can I have the check, please?invoice a document that lists the goods that a company has sent, or the services they have provided, and tells you how much you must pay. It is often sent from one company to another company: Payment is due ten days after receipt of the invoice.bedaytab informal a bill that is added up at the end of a period of time, especially for food or drinks that you have had in a restaurant or hotel: People staying in the hotel can order food or drinks to be put on their tab.staydrink
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: descovrir, from Late Latin discooperire ‘to uncover’ Verb form1to find someone or something, either by accident or because you were looking for them:
The body was discovered in a field.bediscoverForest Service crews often discover campfires that have not been put out completely.crewcampfirebe2FIND OUTto find out something that you did not know about before: The exercises let students discover math concepts on their own.exercisestudentconceptdiscover (that)She discovered that she was pregnant.discoverbediscover who/what/how etcHis friends were shocked to discover how ill he was.friendbeshockbe3FINDif someone discovers a new place, fact, substance etc, they are the first person to find it or know that it exists: The Curies are best known for discovering radium.curiebewellknowdiscover4to notice or try something for the first time and start to enjoy it: At fourteen, Louise discovered boys.discoverboy5SUCCESSFULto notice someone who is very good at something and help them to become successful and well-known: a band that’s waiting to be discoveredwaitdiscover—discovererdiscoverersdiscoverer noun [countable]THESAURUSfind to get or see something that you have been searching for: Have you found your passport yet?find | Police later found the car abandoned in a wood.latefindabandondiscover to find something that was hidden or that people did not know about before: A second bomb has been discovered in south London.havebediscoverlocate formal to find the exact position of something: The airline are still trying to locate my luggage.betry | Online maps make it easy to locate almost any place in the world.mapcome across something to find something unexpectedly when you are not looking for it: I came across some old letters from my father in my drawer.comeletterstumble on/across something to find something unexpectedly, especially something very important: They may have stumbled across some vital evidence.stumble | Completely by chance we had stumbled on the biggest hit of the year.havestumblebigtrace to find someone or something that has disappeared, especially by a careful process of collecting information: She had given up all hope of tracing her missing daughter.havegivetracemisstrack somebody/something down to find someone or something that is difficult to find by searching in different places: I’ve been trying to track down a book that’s out of print.betry | The police managed to track down the killer.manageunearth to find something that has been hidden or lost for a long time, by digging or searching for it: In 1796, a carved stone was unearthed near the burial mound.carvebeunearth
adjective
Word family1be prepared to do somethingWILLING to be willing to do something, especially something difficult or something that you do not usually do: You have to be prepared to take risks in this kind of work.prepareriskHow much is she prepared to pay?beprepare2ready to deal with something [not before noun]READY ready to do something or deal with a situationprepared forI wasn’t prepared for all their questions.preparequestionwell/fully/inadequately etc preparedLuckily, we were well prepared for the storm.beprepareill-prepared (=not ready to deal with a difficult situation)The country was ill-prepared to fight another war.beprepareThere was no news and we were prepared for the worst (=expected something very bad).bebeprepareill3I’m not prepared to do something spokenREFUSE used when saying strongly that you refuse to do something: I’m not prepared to sit here and listen to this rubbish!prepare4made earlierBEFORE planned, made, or written at an earlier time, so that it is ready when it is needed: The President read out a prepared statement.prepareTHESAURUSready [not before noun] having done everything that needs to be done in order to prepare for something: Are you ready? The taxi’s here.be | I don’t feel that I’m ready for the test yet.prepared [not before noun] ready to deal with a situation, because you are expecting it or have made careful preparations: The police were prepared for trouble.beprepare | The team looked well-prepared for the game.lookpreparebe all set to be ready to start doing something that you have planned to do, and be just about to do it: We were all set for a barbecue when it started to rain.bestartbe good to go American English informal be ready to start doing something after completing all the necessary preparations: We just need to get you a pair of skis and you’re good to go.skiripe ripe fruit are soft, sweet, and ready to eat: Don’t pick the apples until they’re really ripe.apple | a delicious ripe plumbe in place if the arrangements or the equipment for doing something are in place, they are ready to start being used: The television cameras were in place for the wedding.camerabe | All the arrangements are in place for a new constitution and democratic elections.arrangementbeelectionbe standing by if people are standing by, they are ready to take action and help if they are needed – used especially about medical teams, police, the army etc: Officers in full riot gear were standing by outside the police station.officerbestand | Several ambulances were standing by.ambulancebestand
noun [countable]
Language: Old English
1part of your hand one of the four long thin parts on your hand, not including your thumb: The woman had a ring on her finger, so I assumed she was married.haveassumebemarryWe ate with our fingers.eatfingerrun your fingers through/over/along etc somethingShe ran her fingers through his hair.runfinger → index finger, little finger, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger2cross your fingersHOPE a)to hope that something will happen the way you want: We’re keeping our fingers crossed that she’s going to be OK.keepfingercrossgo b)to secretly put one finger over another finger, because you are telling a lie – done especially by children: ‘He’s nice,’ said Laura, crossing her fingers under the table.saycrossfinger3not lift/raise a fingerHELP to not make any effort to help someone with their work: I do all the work around the house – Frank never lifts a finger.lift4put your finger on somethingCORRECT to know or be able to explain exactly what is wrong, different, or unusual about a situation: There was something about the man that worried Wycliffe, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.beworry5not lay a finger on somebodyHURT/CAUSE PAIN to not hurt someone at all, especially to not hit them: Don’t lay a finger on me, or I’ll call the police!lie6have/keep your finger on the pulse (of something)KNOW STH to always know about the most recent changes or developments in a particular situation or activity: people who have their finger on the pulse of fashion and pop culture7have a finger in every pie/ in many piesTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to be involved in many activities and to have influence over a lot of people, used especially when you think someone has too much influence8twist/wrap/wind somebody around your little fingerPERSUADE to be able to persuade someone to do anything that you want: Ed could wrap his mother around his little finger.can9the finger of blame/suspicion: The finger of suspicion immediately fell on Broderick.fall10of a glove the part of a glove that covers your finger11shaped like a fingerTHIN OBJECT OR MATERIAL anything that is long and thin, like the shape of a finger, especially a piece of land, an area of water, or a piece of food: fish fingersfingerchocolate fingersfingerfinger ofthe long finger of Chile12pull/get your finger out British English informalWORK HARD used to tell someone to work harder13put two fingers up at somebody British English informalANGRY to show someone you are angry with them in a very offensive way by holding up your first two fingers with the back of your hand facing them14ANGRYgive somebody the finger American English informal to show someone you are angry with them in a very offensive way by holding up your middle finger with the back of your hand facing them15be all fingers and thumbs British EnglishCLUMSY to use your hands in an awkward or careless way, so that you drop or break things16long-fingered/slim-fingered etc having long fingers, slim fingers etc: lovely long-fingered handsfingerhand17drinkAMOUNT an amount of an alcoholic drink that is as high in the glass as the width of someone’s finger: two fingers of whiskeyfinger → butterfingers, fish finger, → have your hands/fingers in the till at till2(3), → count something on the fingers of one hand at count1(7), → have green fingers at green1(10), → burn your fingers/get your fingers burnt at burn1(16), → point the/a finger at somebody at point2(9), → let something slip through your fingers at slip1(15), → snap your fingers at snap1(7), → have sticky fingers at sticky(6), → work your fingers to the bone at work1(29)
fingerverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfingerfingersfingeredfingeringfingerfinger2 verb [transitive]Verb form1TOUCHto touch or handle something with your fingers: She fingered the beautiful cloth.finger2informalTELL A SECRET if someone, especially a criminal, fingers another criminal, they tell the police what that person has doneTHESAURUStouch to put your fingers or hand onto someone or something for a very short time: Don’t touch the iron – it’s hot!feel to touch something with your fingers in order to find out about it: Feel how soft this material is.be | I felt his forehead. It was cold.feelbehandle to touch something and pick it up and hold it in your hands: Children should always wash their hands before handling food.childshallhandhandle | The glass was very fragile, and she handled it with great care.behandle | Please do not handle the merchandise.finger to touch or handle something with your fingers, especially while you are thinking of other things: She fingered the heavy necklace around her neck.fingerrub to move your hand over a surface while pressing it: Bob rubbed his eyes and yawned.rubeyeyawnscratch to rub part of your body with your nails, often because it itches: The dog kept scratching its ear.keepscratch | Bob scratched his head thoughtfully.scratchtickle to move your fingers lightly over someone’s body in order to make them laugh: The baby giggled as I tickled him.giggleticklegrope to touch someone’s body in a sexual way when they do not want to be touched: The officer was accused of groping several women in his platoon.beaccusegropewoman
noun [countable]Word family1ASK A QUESTIONa set of questions that you ask a large number of people in order to find out about their opinions or behaviour → pollcarry out/conduct a survey (=do a survey)We conducted a survey of parents in the village.conductparentsurvey ofa survey of US businessesbusinesssurvey shows/reveals (that)The survey showed that Britain’s trees are in good health.showtreebe2an examination of an area of land in order to make a map of it → surveyor3British English an examination of a house or other building done especially for someone who wants to buy it → surveyor4DESCRIBEa general description or report about a particular subject or situation: a survey of modern English literatureCOLLOCATIONSverbscarry out/do a survey The survey was carried out by Warwick University.becarryconduct a survey formal (=do a survey) a survey conducted by the British Medical Association.conducta survey shows/reveals something Our survey showed that many women are afraid to go out alone at night.showwomanbea survey finds something A survey found that 37 percent of students were born outside the country.findstudentbea survey suggests something Recent surveys suggest that these are the foreign languages most in demand by employers.surveybelanguageemployerADJECTIVES/NOUN + survey a recent/new survey According to a recent survey, students buy an average of 11.33 books a year for their courses.accordstudentbookcoursean annual survey Every council will be required to conduct an annual survey of residents.requireresidenta national survey A national survey revealed that one in four 15-year-olds smokes regularly.revealsmokean extensive survey We conducted an extensive survey asking patients to suggest ways in which the service could be improved.conductaskpatientwaycanimprovea detailed survey The author carried out a detailed survey of 32 organizations in Japan and Korea.carrydetailorganizationan opinion survey Opinion surveys showed consistently that unemployment remained a matter of concern.surveyshowremaina customer survey They have begun to listen carefully to their customers, through customer surveys, focus groups, etc.begincustomersurveygroupphrasesthe results of a survey The results of the survey have not yet been analysed.resultbeanalyseTHESAURUSinvestigation a process in which the police or another organization try to find out the truth about a crime or accident: Following a major police investigation, two men were arrested.followmanbearrest | The investigation into the causes of the air crash are continuing.causebecontinueinquiry an official process to find out why something happened, which usually takes several months or years: Local people are calling for an inquiry into the accident.becall | An independent inquiry found serious shortcomings at the children’s home.findshortcomingchildcase a matter that police or officials are trying to find out information about, especially so that it can be dealt with in a court of law: The case has never been solved.havebesolve | The police say it is one of the most puzzling cases they have had to deal with.bepuzzlecasehaveprobe an investigation in which many questions are asked to find out the truth about something – used especially in journalism: The TV show featured a probe into charges charged by high street banks.featurechargechargebankinquest a legal investigation to find out why someone died: The inquest heard that Mr Swan was poisoned.hearbepoisonsurvey a process in which people are asked questions in order to find out about their opinions or about their behaviour: They did a survey to find out the most popular pop star.do | Based on a survey of 250 companies, the report says that ‘ over two thirds of companies expect operating costs to increase as a result of addressing environmental issues.basecompanysaythirdcompanyoperatecostaddressissueautopsy British English a medical examination of a dead person’s body, to find out why that person died: If she died of a drug overdose, it would show up in the autopsy.diewill
surveyverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplessurveysurveyssurveyedsurveyingsurveysur‧vey2 AC /səˈveɪ $ sər-/ verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: surveeir ‘to look over’, from sur- ( → SURCHARGE) + veeir ‘to see’ Verb form1[usually passive]ASK A QUESTION to ask a large number of people questions in order to find out their attitudes or opinions:
Of the 100 companies surveyed, 10% had a turnover of £50 m to £99 m.companysurveyhave2LOOK ATto look at or consider someone or something carefully, especially in order to form an opinion about them: She turned to survey her daughter’s pale face.turnThey got out of the car to survey the damage.get3British English to examine the condition of a house or other building and make a report on it, especially for people who want to buy it4to examine and measure an area of land and record the details on a map: There were many voyages to survey the ocean depths in the nineteenth century.bevoyagedepth
noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: bloc, from Middle Dutch blok
1SOLID MASSPIECEsolid material a piece of hard material such as wood or stone with straight sides → breeze-block, building block, cinder blockblock ofa block of icea wall made of concrete blocksmakeblock2STREET/STREETSstreets/area a)American English the distance along a city street from where one street crosses it to the next: Head for 44th Street, a few blocks east of Sixth Avenue.blockThe church is down the block.be b)AREAthe four city streets that form a square around an area of buildings: Let’s walk round the block.She grew up playing with the other kids on the block.growplaykid c)Australian English a large piece of land: a ten-acre block near the city3LARGE BUILDINGlarge building a large building divided into separate partsblock ofa block of flatsflatan office blockan apartment blockthe school science block4QUANTITY OF THINGSAMOUNTquantity of things a quantity of things of the same kind, considered as a single unitblock ofNew employees receive a block of shares in the firm.employeeshareSet aside blocks of time for doing your homework.blockdo5block booking/votingGROUP OF PEOPLE an arrangement that is made for a whole group to buy something or to vote together6UNABLE TO THINKinability to think [usually singular]FORGET the temporary loss of your normal ability to think, learn, write etc: I have a mental block whenever I try to remember my password.After his second novel, Garland had writer’s block (=he could not write anything).have7STOPPING MOVEMENTstopping movement [usually singular]PREVENT something that prevents movement or progressblock toa major block to progress → roadblock, stumbling block8punishment the block in the past, a solid block of wood on which someone’s head was cut off as a punishment9put your head/neck on the blockDO STH/TAKE ACTIONSAY/STATE to risk destroying other people’s opinion of you or losing your job by doing or saying something: I’m not prepared to put my head on the block for him.prepare10SPORTsport a movement in sport that stops an opponent going forward or playing the ball forward11sell go on the block to be sold, especially at an auction: $500 million worth of art will go on the block. → block capitals, tower block, → be a chip off the old block at chip1(7), → I’ll knock your block off at knock1(24)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 3types of blocka block of flats British English Three new blocks of flats were built on the land.blockflatbebuildan apartment block I met him at his apartment block in Manhattan.meetan office block She works in a 27-storey office block.worka tower block (=very high and usually in a poor area) She lived on the 17th floor of a tower block in East London.livea tenement block (=an apartment block, usually in a poor area - used especially in Scotland) We had a tiny flat in an Edinburgh tenement block.havea high-rise block (=very high) The area is full of monstrous concrete high-rise blocks.beblocka multi-storey block (=having many levels) Many shops and offices have been rebuilt in high multi-storey blocks.shopofficeberebuildblock
blockverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesblockblocksblockedblockingblockblock2 S3 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1(also block up)PREVENT to prevent anything moving through a space by being or placing something across it or in it: A fallen tree is blocking the road.fallbeblockThe sink’s blocked up.block2PREVENTblock sb’s way/path/exit/escape etc to stand in front of someone, so that they cannot go past: I tried to get through, but there were people blocking my way.trybeblock3STOP STH THAT IS HAPPENINGto stop something happening, developing, or succeeding: The Senate blocked publication of the report.blocklaws designed to block imports of cheap tobaccolawdesignimport4SEEblock sb’s view to be in front of someone, so that they cannot see something: The huge building across the street blocked our view of the sea.buildblock5(also block out) to stop light reaching a place: Can you move? You’re blocking my light.block6to stop a ball, a blow etc from getting to where your opponent wants it to: a shot blocked by the goalkeepershootblockblock somebody/something ↔ in phrasal verb1to park your car too close to another car, so that the other one cannot drive away2to paint or draw simple shapes or areas of colour: I’ll just block in the main buildings.buildingblock sth↔ off phrasal verb to completely close something such as a road or an opening: Police blocked off the city centre streets.blockstreetThe fireplace had been blocked off.havebeblockblock sth↔ out1PREVENTto stop light reaching a place: There was a heavy curtain blocking out the light.beblock2FORGETto stop yourself thinking about something or remembering it: a memory so terrible that she tried to block it outtry
noun (plural majorities)
Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: majorité, from Latin major; → MAJOR1 1most people or things [singular, also + plural verb]MOST most of the people or things in a group OPP minoritymajority of
The majority of workers find it quite hard to live on the amount of money they earn.workergreat/vast/overwhelming majority of something (=almost all of a group)In the vast majority of cases the disease is fatal.casebebe in the majority (=form the largest group)In this city, Muslims are in the majority.be → silent majorityGrammarWhen using majority before 'of' and a plural noun, use a plural verb after it: The vast majority of patients are elderly.patientbeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say most (of) rather than the majority of:Most workers find it hard to live on the money they earn.workerMost of us agreed with him.agree2most votes [countable] if one person or group wins a majority in an election, they win more votes than other people or groupsmajority of 50/100 etcHe won by a majority of 500.winThe Labour Party won a huge majority at the last general election.winclear/overall/absolute majority (=a situation in which one party wins more votes in an election than all the other parties)The party won an absolute majority in Portugal in 1987.winsmall/narrow majorityThe government gained only a narrow majority, with 151 votes against 144.gainvoteLabour/Conservative etc majorityThe Labour majority was reduced to just 15 seats at the last election.bereduceseat3majority vote/decision/verdict etc a vote or decision in which more people vote for something than vote against it: The committee takes decisions by majority vote.takedecisionThe jury found him guilty by a majority verdict.find4majority stake/shareholding etc when one person or group owns a bigger share of a company than other people or groups and so is able to control what happens to the company: Alex Golding held a majority shareholding in Golding plc.hold5becoming an adult [uncountable] British English law the age when someone legally becomes an adult OPP minorityreach majority/the age of majorityHe became a partner in the family firm on reaching his majority.becomereachCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave/hold a majority The Democratic party has a majority in the Senate.havewin a majority The Conservative Party won a large majority.winsecure a majority (=win a majority) They failed to secure a majority.failget/gain/receive a majority If no one gets an overall majority, the vote is repeated.getberepeatcommand a majority (=have a majority) They were one seat short of being able to command a majority in parliament.bebeincrease a majority (=get more votes than you had before) Labour increased its majority in the area.increaselose a majority The Republicans lost their narrow majority in Congress at the midterm elections.republicanloseelectionretain a majority formal (=keep a majority) They were able to retain an absolute majority of seats.beseatdefend a majority (=try not to lose it) He is defending a majority of 400 against his Labour opponent.bedefendoverturn a majority (=win a majority that previously belonged to someone else) She hoped to overturn a Tory majority of 2,221.hopeADJECTIVES/NOUN + majoritya large majority Parliament voted by a large majority in favour of the ban.votea huge majority (=a very big majority) Gone are the days of huge majorities and easy victories.gobedaymajorityvictorya small majority Their small majority made them worried about winning the next election.makeworrywina slim/narrow majority (=a very small majority) The proposal was passed by a slim majority.bepassan overall majority (=more votes than anyone else) What happens if no candidate receives an overall majority?happenreceivean overwhelming majority (=a large majority) The resolution was passed by an overwhelming majority.bepassoverwhelman absolute/outright/clear majority (=a majority that has been won by more than half the votes) There was no party with an absolute majority in the House of Commons.becommona simple majority (=a majority that has been won by most of the votes) A simple majority of the people at the meeting were in favour of the changes.meetbechangea two-thirds/2:1/three to one etc majority A two-thirds majority in both Houses of Congress is needed to overturn a presidential veto.thirdhousebeneeda Labour/Democratic/Tory etc majority Republican majorities were elected in both Houses of Congress that year.majoritybeelecthousea parliamentary majority (=one that has enough seats in parliament to control it) Labour increased its parliamentary majority.increasemajority + NOUNa majority vote The majority vote carries the resolution.carrythe majority party (=the party with the most seats in a parliament) At that time, Labour was the majority party in Parliament.bemajority support (=votes or support given by the most number of people) a solution that will command majority support in the House
adverb, preposition
1containerIN/INSIDE in or into a container or other closed space so as to be completely covered or surrounded OPP outside: The jewels were locked away inside the safe.jewelbelockI sent the money inside an envelope addressed to Ann.sendaddressCarl picked up the book and stuffed it inside his jacket.pickstuffHer car was locked and the keys were inside.belockkeybe2building/roomIN/INSIDE in or into a building or room OPP outside: It’s raining. We’ll have to go inside.rainShe could hear voices inside, but no one came to the door.canvoicecomeMail was piled up just inside the doorway.bepileThe sound was coming from inside the house.becomeinside of American English: There were 20 people packed inside of her dorm room.bepack3country/areaTHERE in a country or area – used when you want to emphasize that something is happening there and not in other places OPP outside: Very little is known of events inside this mysterious country.beknoweventThe guerrillas were said to be operating from bases inside the war zone.guerrillabesayoperatebasis4organization if someone is inside a group or organization, they are part of it OPP outside: women’s influence inside the partywomanThe information comes from sources inside the company.comesourceDiscussions should involve local people both inside and outside the school.discussionshall5head/mindPRIVATE/PERSONAL if something happens inside you, or inside your head or mind, it is part of what you think and feel, especially when you do not express it: You just don’t understand how I feel inside!Steve’s a strange guy – you never know what’s going on inside his head.goAnger bubbled up deep inside her.bubbleinside of American English: Something inside of me told me not to trust him.tell6bodyIN/INSIDE in your body: She could feel the baby kicking inside her.cankickYou’ll feel better once you’ve got a good meal inside you (=after you have eaten something).wellget7time a)PERIOD OF TIMEin less than a particular amount of time: A full report is expected inside three months.beexpectmonthinside the hour/month etc (=before an hour, month etc has passed)We’ll be back inside the hour.inside of especially American English: Our aim is to get the whole job finished inside of a week.befinish b)less than a particular amount of time OPP outside: Jonson’s time of 9.3 seconds was just inside the world record.secondbe8prison informalPRISON in prison: My boyfriend’s been inside for a year.be
insidenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesinsideinsidesinsidein‧side2 S3 /ɪnˈsaɪd, ˈɪnsaɪd/ noun1the insideIN/INSIDE the inner part of something, which is surrounded or hidden by the outer part OPP the outsideon the insideThe apple’s rotten on the inside.the inside ofcondensation on the inside of the windowThe door had been locked from the inside.havebelock2inside out with the usual outside parts on the inside: You’ve got that jumper inside out.getHer umbrella blew inside out.blowI always turn my jeans inside out to wash them.3turn a room/building etc inside out to search a place very thoroughly by moving everything that is in it: The drug squad turned the apartment inside out.turn4know something inside out British English, know something inside and out American EnglishKNOW STH to know something in great detail: She knows her subject inside out.know5on the inside someone who is on the inside is a member of a group or an organization: Someone on the inside must have helped with the robbery.help6on the inside British English if a car passes another car on the inside, it passes on the side that is away from the driver7sb’s inside/insides informal someone’s stomach: My insides are beginning to complain about the lack of food.insidebebegin
insideadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesinsideinsidein‧side3 /ˈɪnsaɪd/ adjective1IN/INSIDEin or facing the inner part of something: the inside pages of the newspaperpagethe inside pocket of his jacket2inside information/the inside story etcINFORMATION information that is available only to people who are part of a particular group or organization: Police believe the robbers may have had inside information.robberhave3the inside lane British English the lane that is furthest away from the middle of the road OPP outside lane
verb [transitive]
Date: 1200-1300Origin: Partly from unrecorded Old English pician; partly from Old French piquer ‘to prick’ Verb form1choose somethingCHOOSE to choose a person or thing, for example because they are the best or most suitable:
Students have to pick three courses from a list of 15.studentcourseI don’t know which colour to pick.Who’s going to pick the team for the match on Saturday?gopick somebody/something for somethingI wasn’t picked for the hockey team.pickpick somebody/something as somethingThe hotel was picked as the best small hotel in the area.bepickwellpick somebody to do somethingHe was picked to run in the 100 metres.bepickmetreRussell spoke slowly, picking his words (=choosing what to say) very carefully.speakpickword → picked2flowers/fruit etcPULL to remove a flower, fruit, nut etc from a plant or tree: We picked some blackberries to eat on the way.pickblackberryAmy picked a small bunch of wild flowers.pickflowera dish of freshly picked peaspickpea3remove something [always + adverb/preposition]REMOVE to remove something carefully from a place, especially something smallpick something from somethingAhmed picked the melon pips from his teeth.pickpiptoothpick something off (something)She was nervously picking bits of fluff off her sweater.bepickbitpick something out of somethingThe goalkeeper spent a lot of his time picking the ball out of the back of the net.spendpick4pick your way through/across/among etc somethingMOVE/CHANGE POSITIONCAREFUL to walk in a slow careful way, choosing exactly where to put your feet down: She picked her way between the puddles.pickpuddleHe picked his way down the narrow staircase.pick5pick your nose to remove mucus from your nose with your finger: Don’t pick your nose!6pick your teeth to remove bits of food from between your teeth with your finger or a small pointed object7pick sb’s brainsASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to ask someone who knows a lot about something for information and advice about it: Have you got a minute? I need to pick your brains.getbrain8pick a quarrel/fight (with somebody)ARGUE to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone: I could see he was trying to pick a fight with me.canbetry9pick and choose to choose only the best people or things, or only the ones that you really like: Come on, you haven’t got time to pick and choose.get10pick a lockOPEN to use something that is not a key to unlock a door, drawer etc: It’s quite easy to pick the lock on a car door.11pick a hole in something to make a hole in something by pulling it with your fingers: He had picked a hole in his jumper.havepick12CRITICIZEpick holes in something informal to criticize an idea or a plan by saying what its weak points are: It’s easy to pick holes in her argument.hole13pick something cleanEAT to remove all the meat from a bone when you are eating14pick sb’s pocketSTEAL to quietly steal something from someone’s pocket → pickpocket15pick a winner informalCHOOSE to choose someone or something very good16pick something to pieces informalCRITICIZE to criticize something very severely and in a very detailed way: I’m fed up with having my work picked to pieces.feedhavepickpiece17musical instrument American English to play a musical instrument by pulling at its strings with your fingers SYN pluck → have a bone to pick with somebody at bone1(10)THESAURUSchoose to decide which one of several things you want: I chose a black dress.choose | Which dessert should I choose?shallpick to choose something, especially without thinking carefully. Pick is more informal than choose: Pick any number from one to ten.numbselect formal to choose something, especially after thinking carefully: The committee will meet to select a new chairman. | All our instructors are carefully selected.instructorbeselectopt for/go for to choose one thing instead of another: Many car buyers opt for used vehicles.buyerusevehicle | I think I’ll go for the chocolate cake.decide on to choose something from many possible things, especially when the decision has been difficult or taken a long time: Thomas had decided on a career as a writer.havedecidesingle out to choose one person or thing from a group because they are better, worse, more important etc than the others: Why should he be singled out for special treatment?shallsingle | One student was singled out for special attention.besingletake your pick especially spoken to choose anything you want, especially when there are many different things available: You can take your pick from Bodrum’s many bars and restaurants.barrestaurantpick at something phrasal verb1EATto eat only small amounts of food because you do not feel hungry or do not like the food: Paige could only pick at her meal, forcing down a mouthful or two.canforce2TOUCHto touch something many times with your fingers, pulling it slightly: She was picking at her skirt.bepickpick somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb SHOOTto point a weapon carefully at one person or animal in a group, and then shoot them: There were gunmen in some of the buildings who picked off our men as they went past.begunmanbuildingpickmangopick on somebody/something phrasal verb spoken1BLAMEto behave in an unfair way to someone, for example by blaming them or criticizing them unfairly: Why don’t you pick on someone else for a change?2CHOOSE British English to choose a particular person or thing: Just pick on one job and try to get that finished.finishpick somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1chooseCHOOSE to choose someone or something from a group: She picked out a navy blue dress.pickHis story was picked out as the best by the judges.bepickwelljudge2recognizeRECOGNIZE to recognize someone or something in a group of people or things: She was able to pick out her father at the other side of the room.beI picked out Valerie’s voice from among the general conversation.pick3see if you can pick something out, you can see it but not very clearly: I could just pick out some letters carved into the stone.canlettercarve4shown clearly [usually passive] if something is picked out, it is in a different colour or material from the background, so that it can be clearly seen: His name was picked out in gold lettering.bepickletter5play a tune to play a tune on a musical instrument slowly or with difficulty: He sat at the piano and picked out a simple tune.sitpickpick over something phrasal verb EXAMINEto examine a group of things very carefully in order to choose the ones you want: She was sitting at the kitchen table picking over a pile of mushrooms.besitpickmushroompick through something phrasal verb LOOK FORto search through a pile of things to find things that you want: Police are still picking through the rubble looking for clues to the cause of the explosion.bepicklookcluepick up phrasal verb1lift something/somebody upLIFTpick something/somebody ↔ up to lift something or someone up: He picked up the letter and read it.pickThe phone rang and I picked it up.ringpickMummy, can you pick me up?2pick yourself upLIFT to get up from the ground after you have fallen: Carol picked herself up and brushed the dirt off her coat.pickbrush3tidy something pick something ↔ up American EnglishTIDY to make a room or building tidy: Pick up your room before you go to bed.4get something pick something ↔ up informal a)GETto get or win something: He’s already picked up three major prizes this year.pickprize b)BUYto buy something or get it from a shop etc: I picked up an evening paper on the way home.pickevenFor more details, pick up a leaflet in your local post office.detail c)to get an illness: I picked up a virus while I was in America.pickbe5collect pick something ↔ upGET to collect something from a place: I’ll pick my things up later.thinglateShe just dropped by to pick up her mail.drop6let somebody into a vehicle pick somebody ↔ upGET to let someone get into your car, boat etc and take them somewhere: I’ll pick you up at the station.The survivors were picked up by fishing boats from nearby villages.survivorbepickfishboatvillage7learn pick something ↔ upLEARN to learn something by watching or listening to other people: I picked up a few words of Greek when I was there last year.pickwordbeMary watched the other dancers to see if she could pick up any tips.watchdancercantip8notice pick something ↔ upSMELLHEAR to notice something that is not easy to notice, such as a slight smell or a sign of something: I picked up a faint smell of coffee.pickThe dogs picked up the scent and raced off.dogpickraceWe picked up their tracks again on the other side of the river.picktrack9radio/signalsHEARpick something ↔ up if a machine picks up a sound, movement, or signal, it is able to notice it or receive it: The sensors pick up faint vibrations in the Earth.sensorvibrationI managed to pick up an American news broadcast.manage10sex pick somebody ↔ upMEET to become friendly with someone you have just met because you want to have sex with them: young women sitting around in bars waiting to be picked upwomansitbarwaitpick11start again a)CONTINUE/START AGAINif you pick up where you stopped or were interrupted, you start again from that point: We’ll meet again in the morning and we can pick up where we left off.leave b)IDEApick something ↔ up if you pick up an idea that has been mentioned, you return to it and develop it further: I’d like to pick up what you said earlier.sayearlyThis same theme is picked up in his later works.bepicklatework12improve a)IMPROVEif a situation picks up, it improves: Her social life was picking up at last.bepickThe economy is finally beginning to pick up again.bebeginWe’ve been through a bit of a bad patch, but things are picking up again now.bebitethingbepick b)pick somebody upHEALTHY if a medicine or drink picks you up, it makes you feel better → pick-me-up13road pick something ↔ up if you pick up a road, you go onto it and start driving along it: We take the A14 to Birmingham and then pick up the M5.14train/bus pick something ↔ up if you pick up a train, bus etc, you get onto it and travel on it15pick up speed/steamFAST/QUICK to go faster: The train was gradually picking up speed.bepick16pick up the bill/tab (for something) informalPAY FOR to pay for something: Why should the taxpayer pick up the tab for mistakes made by a private company?shallmistakemake17windFAST/QUICK if the wind picks up, it increases or grows stronger18colour pick something ↔ upSUIT/LOOK GOOD TOGETHER if one thing picks up a colour in something else, it has an amount of the same colour in it so that the two things look nice together: I like the way the curtains pick up the red in the rug.curtain19criminal pick somebody ↔ upCATCH if the police pick someone up, they take them somewhere to answer questions or to be locked up: He was picked up by police as he was trying to leave the country.bepickbetry20pick up the pieces (of something)RECOVER/GET BETTER to try to make your life normal again after something very bad has happened to you: Thousands of victims of the earthquake are now faced with the task of picking up the pieces of their lives.victimbefacepickpiecelive21pick up the threads (of something)CONTINUE/START AGAIN if you pick up the threads of something that you were doing, you try to return to it and start doing it again after it stopped or was changed: Now that the war was over they could pick up the threads of their lives again.becanthreadlive22pick your feet up spoken used to tell someone to walk properly or more quicklypick up after somebody phrasal verb informal to tidy things that someone else has left untidy: I’m tired of picking up after you!tirepickpick up on something phrasal verb1NOTICEto notice something about the way someone is behaving or feeling, even though they are trying not to show it: Children pick up on our worries and anxieties.childworryanxiety2DISCUSSto return to a point or an idea that has been mentioned and discuss it more: I’d like to pick up on a point that Steven made earlier.makeearly3pick somebody up on somethingCRITICIZE to criticize someone slightly for something they have said: I knew he was lying and I should have picked him up on it.knowbelieshallpick
picknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespickpickspickpick2 nounSense 1-3:Date: 1500-1600
Origin: → PICK1Sense 4-5:
Date: 1300-1400
Origin: pike 1[uncountable]CHOOSE if you can have your pick or take your pick of different things, you can choose which one you want:
Have a look at the menu and take your pick.He knew he could take his pick of any of the girls in the office.knowcangirlSarah could have her pick of any university in the country.canhave/get first pick (of something)She always gets first pick of the videos.getvideo2the pick of something informalBEST the best things in a group: In tonight’s programme we’ll be discussing the pick of this month’s new movies.discussmovieThere were fifteen candidates for the job, and he was the pick of the bunch (=the best one).becandidatebe3[countable] informalCHOOSE your pick is the person or thing that you have chosen from a group SYN choice: There are a lot of good horses in the race, but Archimedes would be my pick.behorsewill4[countable] a pickaxe5[countable] informal a small flat object that you use for pulling at the strings of a musical instrument such as a guitar SYN plectrum → ice pick
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: normalis, from norma; → NORM 1NORMALusual, typical, or expected:
A normal working week is 40 hours.workbehourit is normal (for somebody) to do somethingIt’s normal to feel nervous before an exam.quite/perfectly etc normalHer room was untidy, but that was quite normal.bebeShe was assessed in the normal way, and placed on the waiting list.beassessplacewaitAll I want is to lead a normal life.be2NORMALsomeone who is normal is mentally and physically healthy and does not behave strangely OPP abnormal: He seems a perfectly normal little boy.seemThey can’t be normal to do something like that.COLLOCATIONSadverbscompletely normal The test results came back, and everything was completely normal.resultcomebeperfectly normal (=completely normal) Her reaction to the news was perfectly normal.bequite normal (=completely normal) He sounded quite normal when he phoned.soundphonefairly/pretty normal His family all seem pretty normal.nounsa normal life All I want is to lead a happy, normal life.bephrasesas normal (=used to emphasize that something happens very regularly) John and Liz were late as normal.bein/under normal circumstances Under normal circumstances, you would have to pay to go into the exhibition.circumstancewillin the normal way The results will be posted to you in the normal way.resultpostTHESAURUSnormal usual, typical, and as you would expect it to be: Is this cold weather normal for the time of year?be | It had been another normal working day in the office.havebeworkordinary (also regular especially American English) not special, unusual, or different from normal: They lived in an ordinary three-bedroomed house.live | It looks like an ordinary car, but it uses solar power.lookuse | Would you like a regular salad or a Caesar salad?will | I just want an ordinary bicycle, not a mountain bike.average [only before noun] around the usual level or amount: She is of average height.be | He is of above average intelligence.be | The average price of a pint of milk has gone up.havegostandard normal – used about methods of doing something, or about the size, shape, features etc of products: It’s standard practice to X-ray hand-baggage at most airports.airport | We stock shoes in all the standard sizes.shoesizeroutine used about things that are done regularly as part of a series of things: The fault was discovered during a routine check of the plane.bediscover | routine tasks such as shopping and cookingtaskshopcookeveryday [only before noun] used about things that happen or that you use as part of normal life: He painted scenes of everyday life in France.paintscene | Sally was still dressed in her everyday clothes.bedressclothecommon used about birds and plants that are of the most usual type, and in the phrase the common people (=people who are not rich and powerful): the common goldfish | an alliance between the aristocracy and the common peopleconventional [only before noun] of the kind that is usually used – used when comparing this with a different or special type: The engine is more efficient than a conventional diesel engine.be | the drugs used in conventional medicinedruguse | conventional weapons (=not nuclear, chemical, or biological)weapon | conventional ovens and microwavesovenmicrowave
normalnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesnormalnormalsnormalnormal2 AC noun [uncountable]Word family the usual state, level, or amount: Thankfully, train services are now back to normal.servicebeSlowly her heartbeat returned to normal.returnabove/below normalCar sales are still below normal for the time of year.salebehigher/larger/less etc than normalThe journey took longer than normal.takelong
noun [countable]1ADULTa fully-grown person, or one who is considered to be legally responsible for their actions → child: Some children find it difficult to talk to adults.childadult2ADULTa fully-grown animal: The adults have white bodies and grey backs.adultbodyback
adultadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesadultadultadult2 W3 AC adjectiveDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of adolescere ‘to grow up’ 1[only before noun]ADULT fully grown or developed:
an adult lionthe adult populationHe lived most of his adult life in Scotland.live2ADULTtypical of an adult’s behaviour or of the things adults do: dealing with problems in an adult waydealproblemThat wasn’t very adult of you.3SEX/HAVE SEX WITH[only before noun] adult films, magazines etc are about sex or related to sex: The film is rated R for language and adult themes.beratetheme
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: parfit, from Latin perfectus, past participle of perficere ‘to do completely, finish’ 1PERFECTnot having any mistakes, faults, or damage OPP imperfect:
His English was perfect.beThe car was in perfect condition.beYou’re very lucky to have perfect teeth.tootha perfect performanceIn a perfect world, we wouldn’t need an army.2PERFECTas good as possible, or the best of its kind: The weather was perfect the whole week.bea perfect example of Gothic architectureThe clothes were a perfect fit.clothebea perfect solution to the problemRonnie was in perfect health.beperfect timing (=used when something happens at exactly the right time)Good, you’re home. Perfect timing – dinner’s on the table.time3GOOD/EXCELLENTexactly what is needed for a particular purpose, situation, or person SYN ideal: That’s perfect! Just the way I wanted it to look.wantCrusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to this soup.beperfect forThe land is perfect for sheep farming.befarmperfect way/place/time etc to do somethingShe thought she’d found the perfect place to live.thinkfindperfect day/place/person etc for somethinga perfect day for a picnicthe perfect actor for the part4nobody’s perfect spoken said when you are answering someone who has criticized you or someone else: So I made a mistake! Nobody’s perfect.make5have a perfect right to do something used to emphasize that it is reasonable for someone to do something: He has a perfect right to know what’s happening.havehappen6COMPLETEperfect stranger/fool/angel etc used to emphasize that someone has a particular quality completely SYN complete, total: I felt a perfect idiot.feel → perfectly, → practice makes perfect at practice(9), → present perfect, past perfectCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1, 2 & 3adverbsabsolutely perfect His sight is absolutely perfect.bequite perfect written (=absolutely perfect) The old bottle was very dark blue and quite perfect.bealmost/nearly/near perfect His collection included an almost perfect skeleton of an armadillo.include | Her performance was near perfect.beless than perfect (=not perfect) So many excellent writers, for example Byron and Keats, were less than perfect spellers.writerbelittlespellerfar from perfect (=not at all perfect) The weather conditions were far from perfect.conditionbetechnically perfect The system was technically perfect.beTHESAURUSwithout anything wrongperfect used about something that is very good in every way, and could not be better: We had a wonderful vacation - the weather was perfect.havebe | The meal was absolutely perfect.be | She has perfect teeth.havetoothflawless/faultless without any mistakes or faults: His English was flawless.be | a faultless performanceimpeccable so good that you cannot find anything wrong with it – used especially about someone’s behaviour, taste, or experience: The food was excellent and the service impeccable.be | a man of impeccable manners, charm, and sensibilitymanner | her mother's impeccable taste in clothingclothe | The commission was composed of economists with impeccable credentials (=very impressive qualifications and experience, which are impossible to criticize).becomposeeconomistcredentialunspoiled (also unspoilt British English) an unspoiled area has not been changed or had ugly buildings, roads etc built on it: a beautiful area of unspoiled countrysidemost suitableperfect completely suitable for something or someone: It’s the perfect place to relax after a hard day at work. | It was a perfect day for going to the beach.bego | I think she would be perfect for him.willideal very suitable and exactly what you want – often used about someone or something that you imagine, but which does not really exist: What would be your ideal job?will | She still hasn’t found her ideal man.find | It is the ideal place for a vacation.bejust right especially spoken very good or suitable in every way: The weather was just right for a day at the beach.be | The dress is just right for you.bebe just the thing/person informal to be exactly what is needed or wanted: Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day.be | He’s just the person for the job.
perfectverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesperfectperfectsperfectedperfectingperfectper‧fect2 /pəˈfekt $ pər-/ verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form PERFECTto make something as good as you are able to: Mock trials help students perfect their legal skills.trialstudentskill
perfectnounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesperfectperfectsperfectper‧fect3 /ˈpɜːfɪkt $ ˈpɜːr-/ noun the perfect technical the form of a verb which is used when talking about a period of time up to and including the present. In English, it is formed with ‘have’ and the past participle. SYN present perfect → past perfect
adjective (comparative cleaner, superlative cleanest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: clæne 1WITHOUT DIRTCLEANnot dirty without any dirt, marks etc OPP dirty:
Are your hands clean?behandclean towelstowelMake sure you keep the wound clean.windWipe that sink clean when you’re done.doAs usual, she left her room clean and tidy before going to school.leavegoa spotlessly clean kitchenI want you to get those plates as clean as a whistle.plate2HABITS/APPEARANCECLEANpeople/animals having a clean appearance and habits: Cats are naturally clean.catbe3AIR/WATERenvironmentCLEAN containing or producing nothing that is dirty or harmful → cleanlyclean air/water/energy etcthe Clean Air Actcleaner fuelscleanfuel4FAIR/LEGALfair or legal a)FAIRdone in a fair or legal way OPP dirty: a clean fight b)showing that you have followed the rules: a clean driving licencedriveHe’s got a clean record.get c)WITHOUT WEAPONS/DRUGS[not before noun] informalSAFENOT HAVE not hiding any weapons or illegal drugs: They searched him, but he was clean.searchbe d)NOT HAVING DRUGS[not before noun] no longer taking illegal drugs: Dave’s been clean for two years now.beyear5JOKES/HUMOURnot offensiveGOOD/MORAL talk, jokes, behaviour etc that are clean are not offensive or about sex OPP dirty: Oh, don’t get mad – it’s just good clean fun!Keep it clean (=do not offend people with what you say).clean living (=a way of life which is healthy and moral)6come clean informalADMIT to finally tell the truth about something you have been hidingcome clean aboutThe government should come clean about its plans.shallplan7make a clean breast of itADMIT to admit that you have done something wrong so that you no longer feel guilty8a clean break SUDDENLYa complete and sudden separation from a person, organization, or situation: Den left the next day, needing to make a clean break.leaveneed9clean sheet/slateMISTAKE a record of someone’s work, behaviour, performance etc that shows they have not done anything wrong or made any mistakes: Jed looked forward to starting life again with a clean sheet.lookstartLewis has kept a clean sheet in every game (=not let the other team score).havekeep10clean hands if a person, government, organization etc has clean hands, they have done something in a fair or legal way: Neither side is coming to the negotiating table with completely clean hands.becomenegotiatehand11PAPERpaperUSE STH a piece of paper that is clean has not yet been used SYN fresh12SMOOTHsmoothFLAT having a smooth or regular edge or surface → cleanly: a clean cutUse a clean simple typeface for signs.sign13a clean bill of healthHEALTHY a report that says you are healthy or that a machine or building is safe: Inspectors gave the factory a clean bill of health.inspectorgive14a clean sweep a)WINa very impressive victory in a competition, election etca clean sweep forAll the polls had pointed to a clean sweep for the Democrats.pollhavepointdemocratHopes that the French would make a clean sweep at the Games were dashed.hopewillgamebedash b)CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENTa complete change in a company or organization, often by removing people15taste having a fresh pleasant taste: Add a little lemon juice to give the pasta a cool clean taste.16clean copyMISTAKE a piece of writing without mistakes or other marks written on it17MOVEMENTGOOD ATmovement a clean movement in sport is skilful and exact: He steadied his arm, hoping for a clean shot.steadyhopeshoot—cleannesscleannessescleanness noun [uncountable] → clean-cut, → keep your nose clean at nose1(9)COLLOCATIONSnounsclean clothes He had a shower and changed into clean clothes.havechangeclothea clean shirt/sheet/towel etc Where are all my clean socks?besockclean hands Make sure you have clean hands before you eat.handverbskeep something clean You should always keep your kitchen clean.shallwipe something clean (=use a cloth to clean a surface) He started to wipe the blackboard clean.startsweep/scrub something clean (=use a brush to clean something) She quickly swept the floor clean.sweepleave something clean Please leave the apartment clean when you go.adverbsspotlessly/scrupulously clean (=very clean) Hospitals must be kept scrupulously clean.hospitalkeepsqueaky clean (=completely clean) I like my hair to be squeaky clean.phrasesnice and clean (=clean) Their job is to keep the streets nice and clean.bestreetclean and tidy especially BrE: I insist my children keep their rooms clean and tidy.childroomneat and clean especially AmE: Her kids were always neat and clean.kidbeclean as a whistle (=very clean) The place was clean as a whistle.beTHESAURUSclean without any dirt or marks: They need clean water to drink. | I don’t have any clean clothes.clothepure water or air that is pure does not contain any dirt, pollution, or bacteria: I breathed in the pure mountain air.breathesterile /ˈsteraɪl $ -rəl/ completely clean, with no bacteria, and therefore safe for medical or scientific use: Place a sterile bandage on the wound.wind | sterile needlesneedlespotless completely clean – used mainly about rooms and clothes: Her kitchen is always spotless.bepristine /ˈprɪstiːn/ completely clean and new-looking: He wore a pristine white shirt.wearimmaculate as clean and tidy as it is possible to be: The soldiers’ uniforms have to be immaculate.soldieruniformspick and span [not before noun] informal clean and tidy, especially after having just been cleaned: By the end of the day, the whole place was spick and span.bespin
cleanverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescleancleanscleanedcleaningcleanclean2 S1 W3 verbWord familyVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]WASHCLEAN to remove dirt from something by rubbing or washing → cleanse: Your shoes need cleaning.shoecleanIs it easy to clean?beclean something down/offWe clean the machines down at the end of each day.machineclean something off/from somethingHe used a tissue to clean his fingerprints off the gun.usefingerprint → dry-clean, → spring-clean at spring-cleaning2[intransitive and transitive]CLEAN to clean a building or other people’s houses as your job: Anne comes in to clean twice a week.come3clean your teeth British English to make your teeth clean using a toothbrush and toothpaste SYN brush your teeth American English4[transitive] to remove the inside parts of an animal or bird before cooking it: Harry caught the fish and cleaned them himself.catchclean5clean your plateEAT to eat all your foodTHESAURUSclean to remove dirt from something: I need to clean the car. | Clean the mud off your shoes.shoewash to clean something with water and usually soap: She’s washing her hair.wash | There’s nowhere to wash your clothes.clothewipe to clean a surface with a cloth, often a wet cloth: Wipe the worktop when you’ve finished cooking.finishcookscrub to wash something by rubbing it hard, especially with a brush: They made her scrub the floor.makerinse to remove dirt from something using water, especially after washing it with soap: Rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing it.shampoocleanse formal to clean your skin, using water or a special cream: There are many products available for cleansing your skin.beproductcleansebathe /beɪð/ to clean a wound or a part of your body with water: Bathe the cut and put a plaster on it.do the dishes (also do the washing-up British English) to wash plates and pans after a meal: Who’s going to help me do the dishes?godishdo the laundry (also do the washing British English) to wash clothes: On Tuesdays, he does the washing.dowashclean somebody/something out phrasal verb1clean something ↔ outCLEAN to make the inside of a room, house etc clean or tidy: We’d better clean out the attic this week.well2clean somebody out informalEXPENSIVE if something expensive cleans you out, you spend so much money on it that you now have very little left: Our trip to Paris cleaned me out.clean3clean somebody/something out informalSTEAL to steal everything from a place, or all of someone’s possessionsclean up phrasal verb1CLEANto make a place completely clean and tidy: We spent all Saturday morning cleaning up.spendcleanclean something ↔ upplans to clean up the beachesplanbeachclean up afterJohn always expects other people to clean up after him (=to make a place clean after he has used it).expect2WASHto wash yourself after you have got very dirtyclean yourself upLet me just go clean myself up.Dad’s upstairs getting cleaned up.getclean3clean up your act informalBEHAVE to start behaving sensibly and responsibly: Some companies could face heavy fines if they fail to clean up their act.companycanfine4informalPROFIT to win a lot of money or make a lot of money in a business deal: He cleaned up at the races yesterday.cleanrace5GOOD/MORALclean something ↔ up to improve moral standards in a place or organization: It’s high time British soccer cleaned up its image.clean → clean-up
cleanadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplescleancleanclean3 adverbWord family EMPHASIZEused to emphasize the fact that an action or movement is complete and thoroughclean away/through/outThe thieves got clean away with $300,000 worth of equipment.thievegetThe car hit her with such force that she was lifted clean off the ground.beliftgrindSorry, I clean forgot (=completely forgot) your birthday.forget
cleannounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplescleancleanscleanclean4 noun [singular] British EnglishWord family CLEANa process in which you clean something: The car needs a good clean.need
verb [transitive]
Word familyWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: removoir, from Latin removere, from movere ‘to move’ Verb form1take awayTAKE STH FROM SOMEWHERE to take something away from, out of, or off the place where it is:
Remove the old wallpaper and fill any holes in the walls.holewallremove something from somethingReference books may not be removed from the library.bookremove2get rid ofREMOVE to get rid of something so that it does not exist any longer: a cleaner that will remove wine stainscleanstainThe college removed rules that prevented women from enrolling.removerulepreventwomanenrol3from a jobLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to force someone out of an important position or dismiss them from a jobremove somebody from somethingCongress could remove the President from office.can4clothes formalTAKE OFF CLOTHES to take off a piece of clothing: He removed his hat and gloves.removegloveRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone takes clothing off rather than removes it: Is it OK if I take my coat off?be5be far removed from somethingDIFFERENT to be very different from something: The events in the newspaper article were far removed from reality.eventberemove6cousin once/twice etc removedFAMILY the child, grandchild etc of your cousin, or your cousin’s father, grandfather etcTHESAURUSMeaning 2remove to make something no longer exist, especially something that was causing problems: Some stains are difficult to remove with ordinary washing powder.stainbewash | All the obstacles to an agreement have now been removed.obstacleberemoveget rid of somebody/something to remove someone or something that you do not want. Get rid of is much more common than remove in everyday English, but is usually only used in active sentences: They managed to get rid of all the weeds.manageweed | It was almost impossible to get rid of him.beeliminate to completely get rid of something that you do not want, especially because it is unnecessary or causing problems: If you book online, this eliminates the need for a ticket.eliminate | The new system will help to eliminate costly delays.delayeradicate to completely get rid of a disease or a problem: The disease has been eradicated from most of Europe.havebeeradicate | Street crime has almost been eradicated.havebeeradicatedelete to remove something that has been written on a computer, or stored in a computer: Do you want to delete this file? | Press 3 to delete the messages on your answerphone.messageerase to remove recorded sounds or pictures from a tape, or writing from paper: Shall I erase this video? | It’s better to cross out a mistake than to try to erase it.wellcut to remove a part from a film, book, speech etc: The most violent scenes were cut.scenebe | Parts of his original speech were cut.partbe
removenounCollocations from other entriesCorpus examplesremoveremovesremoveremove2 AC noun [uncountable and countable] especially British English formal a distance or amount by which two things are separatedat a removeThe X-ray operator works at a safe remove in a separate room.work
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: poulser ‘to hit, push’, from Latin pulsare, from pellere ‘to drive, hit’ Verb form1move [intransitive and transitive]PUSH to make someone or something move by pressing them with your hands, arms etc OPP pull:
It didn’t move, so she pushed harder.pushhardI promised to push him on the swings for as long as he wanted.promiseswingwantshoppers pushing their grocery cartsshopperpushcartpush somebody/something away/back/aside etcShe pushed him away.pushMaria pushed her hair back from her forehead.pushpush somebody/something towards/into etc somethingPhilip pushed him towards the door.pushpush something open/shutI slowly pushed the door open.push2button/switch [intransitive and transitive]SWITCH ON OR OFF to press a button, switch etc in order to make a piece of equipment start or stop working SYN press: I got in and pushed the button for the fourth floor.getpushPush the green button to start the engine.3try to get past [intransitive]PUSH to use your hands, arms etc to make people or things move, so that you can get past them: Don’t push. Everyone will get a turn.push (your way) past/through/into etcA fat man pushed past me in his rush to leave.pushShe pushed her way to the front.push4encourage [transitive]FORCE SB TO DO STH to encourage or force someone to do something or to work hard: Encourage your kids to try new things, but try not to push them too hard.kidthingathletes who push their bodies to the limitathletebodypush yourselfHe’s been pushing himself too hard, working 12-hour days.bepushworkdaypush somebody into (doing) somethingMy husband pushed me into leaving the job.pushleavepush somebody to do somethingThe teachers pushed the students to achieve.teacherpushstudent5persuade [intransitive and transitive] to try to persuade people to accept your ideas, opinions etc in order to achieve something: The president is trying to push his agenda in Congress.betrypush forHe was pushing hard for welfare reform.bepushpush to do somethingCompany representatives are pushing to open foreign markets to their products.representativebepushmarketproductpush something on somebodyWe don’t try to push our religion on anyone.6change [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to change someone’s situation, or to make a situation change, especially when some people do not want it to change: The law would push even more children into poverty.willchildattempts to push the peace process forwardattempt7increase/decrease [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to increase or decrease an amount, value, or numberpush something up/downSlow sales have pushed down orders.salepushorderpush something higher/lowerNew technology has pushed the cost of health care even higher.havepushhigh8army [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if an army pushes somewhere, it moves in that direction: The army was pushing north.bepushWe pushed deep into enemy territory.push9advertise [transitive] informalADVERTISE to try to sell more of a product by advertising it a lot: Sports stars earn big bucks for pushing everything from shoes to soft drinks.sportstarbuckpushshoedrink10drugs [transitive] informal to sell illegal drugs → pusher11be pushing 40/50 etc informal to be nearly 40, 50 etc years old12push your luck/push it informalRISK to do something or ask for something, especially something you have done or asked for before, when this is likely to annoy someone or involves a risk: If she doesn’t want to go, don’t push it.It’s 26 miles, so you’re pushing your luck if you try to hike it in a day.milpush13push something out of your mind (also push something to the back of your mind) to try not to think about something, especially something bad or worrying: He pushed the thought out of his mind and tried to concentrate.pushthinktry14push (sb’s) buttons informal to make someone feel strong emotions: Movies shouldn’t be afraid to push a few buttons.moviebutton15push the boat out British English informalSPEND MONEY to spend more money than you usually do, on something special: Push the boat out and get tickets to the theatre or ballet.ticket16push the pointPERSUADE to keep trying to make someone accept your opinion in a way that they think is annoying17push the envelope American English to do something that is new and that goes beyond the limits of what has already been done in a particular area of activitypush the envelope of/onideas that push the envelope of design and constructionidea18be pushing up (the) daisies informal to be dead – used humorously → pushed, pushingTHESAURUSpush to make something or someone move by pressing them with your hands, arms etc: Push the door, don’t pull it. | She pushed him away and walked out.pushwalkshove to push someone or something in a rough or careless way: People were shoving to get to the front of the queue.beshove | Tom shoved his suitcase under the bed.shovestuff informal to push something quickly and carelessly into a small space: She stuffed a few clothes into a bag and left.stuffclotheleavepoke to push someone or something with your finger or something sharp: I poked the snake with a stick but it was dead.pokebenudge to push someone beside you gently with your elbow to get their attention: Toby nudged me and pointed out of the window.nudgepointroll to push something round or something on wheels so that it moves forward: They rolled the logs down the hill.rolllog | The car still didn’t start so we tried to roll it off the road.trywheel to push something with wheels, for example a bicycle or a trolley, so that it moves forward, while guiding it with your hands: Rob wheeled his bike round the back of the house.wheelpush ahead phrasal verb CONTINUE/NOT STOPto continue with a plan or an activity, especially in a determined waypush ahead withQuinlan decided to push ahead with the deal.decidepush along phrasal verb LEAVE A PLACEmust/should etc be pushing along British English spoken used to say that you think it is time for you to leave a place: It’s getting late – I think we should be pushing along.getshallpushpush somebody around (also push somebody aboutpush somebody about British English) phrasal verb TELL/ORDER SB TO DO STHto tell someone what to do in an impolite or threatening way: Europeans sometimes feel the Americans are trying to push them around.betrypush somebody/something aside phrasal verb1FORGETpush something ↔ aside to try to forget about something, especially something unpleasant, so that you can give your attention to what you are doing: She pushed aside her anger, forcing herself to focus on her work.pushforce2to force someone out of their job or position, taking the job in their place: Primakov was pushed aside but later became head of Intelligence.bepushlatebecomepush yourself forward phrasal verb British EnglishATTENTION to try to make other people notice you: Rupert was a quiet type, not one to push himself forward.bepush in phrasal verb British English informalWAIT# to go in front of other people who are already waiting in a line for something, instead of going to the back of the line: A couple of boys pushed in at the head of the queue.boypushpush off phrasal verb1to start moving in a boat, on a bicycle, or when swimming or jumping, by pushing against something with your arms, legs etc: Dad pushed off and jumped into the rowboat.pushjump2British English spokenLEAVE A PLACE used to tell someone rudely to go awaypush on phrasal verb1CONTINUE/NOT STOPto continue travelling somewhere, especially after you have had a rest: We decided to push on a little further.decidefar2CONTINUE/NOT STOPto continue doing an activitypush on withNixon pushed on with the weapons development program.pushweaponpush somebody/something ↔ over phrasal verb FALLto make someone or something fall to the ground by pushing them: He went wild, pushing over tables and chairs.gopushtablechairpush something ↔ through (also push something through somethingpush something through something) phrasal verb FALLto get a plan, law etc officially accepted, especially quickly: The planning application was pushed through as quickly as possible.planbepush
pushnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespushpushespushpush2 noun
Word family1pushing movement [countable]PUSH when someone pushes something OPP pull: Jodi had stopped swinging. ‘Want a push?’ her dad asked.havestopswingaskIf the door’s stuck, just give it a push.stickat/with the push of a button (=used to emphasize how easy a machine is to use)Files can be attached to your email at the push of a button.fileattach2effort [countable] when someone, especially a business, tries to get or achieve something: the pre-Christmas advertising pushadvertisepush intoThe company has recently made a big push into the Japanese market.havemakepush forthe push for improved productivityimprovepush to do somethinga push to attract new membersmember3encouragement [singular]PERSUADE if someone gives someone else a push, they encourage or persuade them to try something: She just needed a gentle push to get her to join in.need4army [countable] a planned military movement into the area where the enemy ispush intoThe army has made another big push into enemy territory.havemake5give somebody the push/get the push British English informal a)LEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATIONif your employer gives you the push, they make you leave your job: I was scared I’d get the push.bescare b)STOP STH THAT IS HAPPENINGif someone you are having a romantic relationship with gives you the push, they tell you that they no longer want to continue the relationship6when/if push comes to shove (also if it comes to the push British English) spokenDECIDE if a situation becomes very difficult or action needs to be taken: If push comes to shove, you can always sell the car.come7at a push British English informalDIFFICULT if you can do something at a push, it will be difficult, but you will be able to do it: We have room for five people, maybe six at a push.8it’ll be a push British English spokenDIFFICULT used to say that something will be difficult because you do not have enough time to do it: I’ll do my best, but it’ll be a bit of a push.wellbite
noun
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: escren, from Middle Dutch scherm 1television/computer [countable] the part of a television or computer where the picture or information appears → monitor:
a computer with an 18-inch colour screenHe went on staring at the TV screen.gostareon (a) screenHer picture appeared on the screen.appearIt’s easy to change the text on screen before printing it.print2film a)[countable] the large white surface that pictures are shown on in a cinema: He was horrified at some of the images he saw on the screen.behorrifyimagesee b)[singular, uncountable] films in general: This is the first time the play has been adapted for the big screen (=films).behavebeadapta star of stage and screen (=the theatre and films)on screenhis first appearance on screena well-known screen actorknow3movable wall [countable] a piece of furniture like a thin wall that can be moved around and is used to divide one part of a room from another: There was a screen around his bed.be4something that hides a)[countable] something tall and wide that hides a place or thingscreen ofThe house was hidden behind a screen of bushes.behidebush b)[singular] something that hides what someone is doingscreen forThe business was just a screen for his drug-dealing activities.bedealactivity5test for illness [countable] British English a medical test to see whether someone has an illness SYN screening American English: The company is offering a free health screen to all employees.beofferemployee6door/window [countable] a wire net fastened inside a frame in front of a window or door to keep insects out7church [countable] a decorative wall in some churches8sports [countable] a player in a game such as basketball who protects the player who has the ball → smokescreen, sunscreenTHESAURUSwall an upright flat structure made of stone or brick, that divides one area from another or surrounds an area: The estate is surrounded by high stone walls.besurroundwall | a brick wallfence a structure made of wood, metal etc that surrounds a piece of land: The garden was surrounded by an old wooden fence.besurround | the chain link fence around the schoolrailings a metal fence that is made of a series of upright bars: the iron railings in front of the houserailing | The boy was leaning over the railing on the side of the boat.beleanrailbarrier a type of fence or gate that prevents people from moving in a particular direction: A guard stood near the barrier.stand | The police had put up barriers to keep the crowd under control.havebarrierscreen a piece of furniture like a thin wall that can be moved around and is used to divide one part of a room from another: the screen around his hospital bed | a Japanese bamboo screen | a fire screen (=that you put near a fire)partition a thin wall that separates one part of a room from another: The room was divided into two by a thin partition.bedivide | The offices are separated by partitions and you can hear everything that is said in the next office.officebeseparatepartitionbesaybarricade a line of objects that people have put across a road, to prevent people getting past, especially as part of a protest: The soldiers used tanks to smash through the barricades.soldierusetankbarricade
screenverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesscreenscreensscreenedscreeningscreenscreen2 verb [transitive]
Verb form1test for illness to do tests on a lot of people to find out whether they have a particular illness: All women over 50 will be regularly screened.womanscreenscreen somebody for somethingIt is now possible to screen babies for diabetes.bebaby2hide somethingHIDE/MAKE IT HARD TO FIND OR SEE if something screens something else, it is in front of it and hides itscreen something from somethingA line of trees screened the house from the road.treescreen3film/television to show a film or television programme: The film is being screened around the country.bebescreenThe match will be screened live on television.screen4test employees etcTEST/EXPERIMENT to find out information about people in order to decide whether you can trust them: Police are very careful when screening politicians’ bodyguards.bescreenpoliticianbodyguardApplicants are screened for security.applicantbescreen5check things to check things to see whether they are acceptable or suitable: You can use an answerphone to screen your phone calls before you answer them.callscreen something ↔ off phrasal verb to separate one part of a room from the rest by putting a thin temporary wall or a curtain across it: The back part of the room had been screened off.havebescreenscreen something ↔ out phrasal verb1PROTECTto prevent something harmful from passing through SYN filter out: Sun lotions screen out damaging ultraviolet light.lotiondamage2SUITABLEto remove people or things that are not acceptable or not suitable SYN filter out: An answering service can screen out nuisance calls.answercall
noun [countable]1a close female relation of a king and queen, especially a daughter → prince: Princess Anne2the wife of a prince
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1800-1900Language: French
Origin: Old French; → EXPERT2 GOOD ATKNOW STHsomeone who has a special skill or special knowledge of a subject, gained as a result of training or experienceexpert on
He’s a world expert on marine mammals.mammalexpert inan expert in statisticsstatisticmedical/technical/financial etc expertTests should be administered by a medical expert.testshalladministerCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa leading expert (=one of the best and most respected) He is one of the country’s leading experts on Islam.beleadexperta world/international expert (=one who is known in many different countries) She is a world expert on tropical diseases.bediseasean independent expert (=someone who is not controlled by, or does not receive money from, an organization or the government) The authorities called in an independent expert to advise them.authoritycalla medical/legal/financial etc expert (=someone who has special skills related to a particular job or subject) Medical experts agree that screening can prevent deaths from breast cancer.expertscreendeatha so-called expert (=someone who says they are an expert, but who you do not respect very much) There are many so-called experts willing to tell you how to bring up your children.becallexpertwillchildverbsexperts say something Experts are saying that the economy is likely to improve towards the end of this year.expertbesaybeexperts believe something Legal experts believe that the evidence will not be accepted in court.expertacceptexperts advise/recommend something Most financial experts recommend that you don''t borrow money on credit cards.expertcardtalk to/consult an expert (=ask an expert for information or advice) If cracks appear in your house, you should consult an expert to find out what is causing the problem.crackshallbecauseget/obtain/seek advice from an expert (=ask an expert for information or advice) Don’t make big financial decisions without first seeking advice from an expert.decisionseekphrasesa team/panel of experts You can get advice from our panel of gardening experts.gardenexpertTHESAURUSexpert someone who has a lot of knowledge about something or skill at doing something: a computer expert | an expert on beetlesbeetle | It’s best to ask an expert.wellspecialist an expert who has studied a particular medical or technical subject for a long time and knows much more about it than other people: She is a specialist in corporate finance.bespecial | My doctor sent me to see a heart specialist.sendspecialauthority an expert whose knowledge and opinions are greatly respected: The professor is one of the world’s leading authorities on African art.beleadauthorityconnoisseur /ˌkɒnəˈsɜː $ ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr/ an expert on food, art, literature, or design, who has had a lot of experience and knows when something is of very good quality: He was a connoisseur of fine wines.bewine | His works are popular among connoisseurs.workbeconnoisseurbuff /bʌf/ informal someone who is very interested in a subject and knows a lot about it: a wine buff | Jazz buffs will be familiar with the band’s first album.buffvirtuoso /ˌvɜːtʃuˈəʊsəʊ $ ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ an expert player or performer: The piece was played by violin virtuoso Pavel Sporcl.beplay | a virtuoso pianist
expertadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesexpertexpertexpert2 W3 AC adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin expertus, past participle of experiri; → EXPERIENCE1 1GOOD ATKNOW STHhaving a special skill or special knowledge of a subject OPP inexpertexpert on/in/at
The police are expert at handling situations like this in strict confidence.behandlesituationHe cast his expert eye on the gardener’s work.2relating to or coming from an expert: Ministers depend on civil servants for expert advice.ministerservant—expertlyexpertly adverb—expertnessexpertnessesexpertness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsexpert advice Get some expert advice before investing in a property.investexpert opinion (=the opinions of people who know a lot about something) Expert opinion on the matter is deeply divided.bedivideexpert evidence/testimony Two doctors were called to give expert testimony at the inquiry.doctorbecallexpert knowledge He has expert knowledge of the plants and animals in this area.haveplantanimalexpert eye (=the eyes of someone who knows a lot about something) To the expert eye, this is a beautiful example of early Roman pottery.beTHESAURUSvery skilfulaccomplished very skilful because you have had a lot of experience of doing something - used especially about musicians, artists, performers etc: a highly accomplished pianistaccomplish | She is one of the most accomplished theatre performers.beaccomplishperformer | She's a popular dancer, and very accomplished.accomplishexpert extremely skilful and having a lot of knowledge about doing something: He was an expert skier.be | Students learn to cook French food with the help of expert chefs.studentchef | Politicians are expert at deflecting criticism.politicianbedeflectvirtuoso [only before noun] extremely skilful and impressive - used especially about musicians, performers, or performances: a virtuoso violinist | The team gave a virtuoso performance in the final.give
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: flor, flour, from Latin flos 1a coloured or white part that a plant or tree produces before fruit or seeds → floral:
a lovely rose bush with delicate pink flowersriseflowerfields full of beautiful wild flowersfieldflower2
a small plant that produces beautiful flowers: He wasn’t interested in growing flowers in the garden.interestgrowflowerShe bent down and picked a flower.bendpickbunch/bouquet of flowersThe first night we met he gave me a bunch of flowers.meetgiveflowera beautiful flower arrangement (=flowers arranged together in an attractive way)3in flower a plant or tree that is in flower has flowers on it SYN in bloom: It was May, and the apple trees were all in flower.betreebeRoses start to come into flower in June.rose4the flower of something literaryBEST the best part of something: young men killed in the flower of their youthmankillCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + flowerlovely/pretty/beautiful They admired the lovely flowers in the garden.admireflowerdelicate The plant produces delicate purple flowers.produceflowerrare A number of rare flowers grow in these woods.numbflowerwooddead There were dead flowers in a vase of green water.beflowerartificial a basket of artificial flowersflowera wild flower The meadows were covered with wild flowers.meadowbecoverflowera garden flower Dahlias have become one of the best loved garden flowers.dahliawelllovefloweran exotic flower We grow exotic flowers from all over the world.flowera spring/summer/autumn/winter flower The mountainsides were blanketed with spring flowers.mountainsidebeblanketflowercut flowers Make cut flowers last longer by changing the water in the vase.flowerlongchangedried flowers She had brightened up the room with a vase of dried flowers.havebrightendryflowera silk flower She wore a huge silk flower in her hair.wearverbsflowers grow Flowers were growing along the side of the road.flowerbegrowflowers bloom (=start appearing on a plant) Spring flowers bloomed in the meadows.flowerbloommeadowflowers open As the weather gets warmer, the flowers open.getwarmflowergrow flowers He grows flowers as well as vegetables.growflowervegetablepick flowers I'll pick some flowers to put on the table.flowerproduce flowers The plant will produce beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers.shapeflowerpollinate flowers (=give a flower or plant pollen so that it can produce seeds) Various insects pollinate the flowers.insectflowerbe covered in flowers (=have flowers on every part) The fields were covered in wild flowers.fieldbecoverflowerphrasesa bunch of flowers He gave me a lovely bunch of flowers.giveflowera bouquet of flowers (=a large bunch of flowers that is given to someone) The bride held a bouquet of flowers.holdflowera vase of flowers On the table was a vase of flowers.beflowerthe flowers are in bloom (also the flowers are out) (=they appear on a plant) At this time of the year, the flowers are in bloom.flowerbebe a mass of flowers (=have a lot of flowers growing on every part) In spring, the valley is a mass of flowers.beflowerflower + NOUNa flower shop He used to run a flower shop.usea flower arrangement She produced dried flower arrangements for sale.producedryarrangementflower arranging I learnt flower arranging from my mother.learnarrangea flower pot The terrace was covered in flower pots.becoverpota flower bed (=an area for growing flowers in a garden) The flower beds had been weeded.bedhavebeweed
flowerverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesflowerflowersfloweredfloweringflowerflower2 verb [intransitive]Word familyVerb form1to produce flowers: Bulbs that you plant in the autumn should flower the following spring.bulbshallfollow2literarySUCCESSFUL to develop in a very successful way SYN flourish: the economic and social conditions that will allow democracy to flowercondition
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: establir, from Latin stabilire ‘to make firm’ Verb form1START STH/MAKE STH STARTto start a company, organization, system, etc that is intended to exist or continue for a long time SYN found:
The city of Boerne was established by German settlers in the 1840s.beestablishsettlerOur goal is to establish a new research centre in the North.beRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say set up or start a company or organization, rather than use establish:The company was set up in 1976.be2to begin a relationship with someone or a situation that will continueestablish relations/links/contact etc (with somebody)Hungary established diplomatic relations with Chile in 1990.establishrelationI wondered why he should bother to try and establish contact with me.wondershall3FIND OUTto find out facts that will prove that something is true: The police must establish the facts of the case before proceeding.factproceedestablish thatThe autopsy established that he had been murdered.establishhavebemurderestablish whether/ifI was never able to establish whether she was telling the truth.bebetell4PROVEto make people accept that you can do something, or that you have a particular qualityestablish yourself (as/in)He had three years in which to establish himself as Prime Minister.haveyearHe’d already begun to establish quite a reputation as a journalist.beginTHESAURUSestablish to start a company or organization, especially one that exists for a long time: The company was established in 1899.beestablish | He established a new research centre in Dublin.establish | Most of the money will be used to establish local industries and mobilize the work-force.useindustryset up to start a new company or organization. Set up is less formal than establish, and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: Kate and her partner are setting up their own printing business.besetprint | Dad set up as a builder in 1990 and now he employs over twenty men.employmanopen to start a business that provides services to the public, such as a shop, restaurant, or hotel: He opened his first restaurant in 1995.open | They just opened a new supermarket on Van Nuys Boulevard.openfound to start a company or an organization such as a school or a hospital, especially by providing the money for it – used about something that was started a long time ago: Who originally founded the college?found | The bank was founded 60 years ago in Munich.befoundyearinaugurate /ɪˈnɔːɡjəreɪt, ɪˈnɔːɡjʊreɪt $ -ˈnɒː-/ formal to start an organization with an official ceremony: Twenty years after the airport was inaugurated, it introduced its first transatlantic flights.yearbeinaugurateintroduceflight
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: repeter, from Latin repetere, from petere ‘to go to, try to find’ Verb form1say againREPEAT to say or write something again:
Can you repeat your question?Sorry – could you repeat that?canrepeat thatNick patiently repeated that he had to work that day.repeathaveIt is not, I repeat not, my fault.be‘I promise,’ she repeated.repeatrepeat yourself (=say something that you have said before, usually by mistake)Elderly people tend to repeat themselves.2do againAGAIN to do something again: Repeat the exercises twice a day.exerciseWe must not repeat the mistakes of the past.mistakerepeat a class/grade/year (=do the same class at school again the following year)The team are hoping to repeat their success (=achieve the same good result) of last season.behope3learnREPEAT to say something that someone else has just said, especially in order to learn itrepeat (something) after somebodyRepeat after me: amo, amas, amat ...4tellREPEAT to tell someone something that you have heard, especially something secret: Here’s what happened, but don’t repeat it.happen5broadcast to broadcast a television or radio programme again: The series will be repeated in the autumn.repeat6something doesn’t bear repeatingRUDE/IMPOLITE used to say that you do not want to repeat what someone has said, especially because it is rude: Her comments don’t bear repeating!commentrepeat → history repeats itself at history(8)repeat on somebody phrasal verb British English if food repeats on you, its taste keeps coming back into your mouth after you have eaten it
repeatnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrepeatrepeatsrepeatrepeat2 noun [countable]Word family1[usually singular]HAPPEN an event that is very like something that happened beforerepeat ofThe match was basically a repeat of last year’s game at Wembley.beIt was a terrible journey – I hope we don’t have a repeat performance (=have the same thing happen again) on the way home.be2a television or radio programme that has been broadcast before: ‘Is it a repeat?’ ‘No, it’s a new series.’be3repeat order/prescription British English an order of goods or a prescription of medicine that is the same as one you had before4technical the sign that tells a performer to play a piece of music again, or the music that is played again
noun
Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: scène, from Latin scena, scaena ‘stage, scene’, from Greek skene ‘tent, building against which a play is performed, stage’ 1play/film [countable] a)part of a play during which there is no change in time or place:
Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2the opening sceneopen b)a single piece of action that happens in one place in a film, book etc: battle scenesscenetender love scenessceneThe film contains some violent scenes.containscenecolourful pictures depicting scenes from the Biblepicturedepictscene2SITUATIONactivities [singular] a particular set of activities and the people who are involved in them: I’m not into the club scene (=going to night clubs).LA’s music scenethe drug scenea newcomer to the political scene3accident/crime [singular]SEE the place where an accident, crime etc happened: The police soon arrived at the scene of the crime.arriveat the sceneInvestigators are now at the scene, searching for clues.investigatorbesearchclueon the sceneJournalists were on the scene within minutes.journalistbeminute4view/picture [countable]SEE a view of a place as you see it, or as it appears in a picture: He photographed a wide range of street scenes.photographscenescene ofShe returned home to find a scene of devastation.return5event/situation [countable]HAPPEN what is happening in a place, or what can be seen happeningscene ofThere were scenes of rejoicing after the election.bescenerejoicebad scene American English: ‘It’s a bad scene here,’ she said. ‘Jamie is very sick.’saybe6argument [countable]ANGRY a loud angry argument, especially in a public place: There were angry scenes in parliament today.besceneI was mad, but I didn’t want to make a scene.be7not be your scene informalDON'T LIKE to not be the type of thing you like: Loud discos aren’t really my scene.disco8behind the scenesSECRET secretly, while other things are happening publicly: Behind the scenes, both sides are working towards an agreement.scenesidebework9set the scene a)PREPAREto provide the conditions in which an event can happenset the scene forThe prison riots have set the scene for major reform.riot b)DESCRIBEto describe the situation before you begin to tell a story: A few words on the rules of English law will help to set the scene.wordrule10be/come on the sceneTHERE to be or become involved in a situation, activity etc: By then, there was a boyfriend on the scene.be → a change of scene at change2(3), → steal the scene at steal1(4)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + scene the political scene This issue is going to continue to dominate the political scene.begothe social scene She loved the city, and really enjoyed the social scene.loveenjoythe music/jazz etc scene She’s still involved in the music scene in London.involvethe arts scene Britain has a lively contemporary arts scene.haveartthe literary scene He had a huge influence on the literary scene.havethe club scene (=going to nightclubs) I was really into the club scene.bethe drug scene (=taking illegal drugs) He regrets getting caught up in the drug scene.regretgetcatchthe gay scene (=clubs and pubs where gay people go) He knew his way around the New York gay scene.knowthe national scene The magazine gives an overview of the national music scene.givethe international/world scene He is still a major figure on the international political scene.beverbsbe part of a scene Formal receptions were an important part of the social scene.receptionbebe involved in a scene I knew that he was involved in the drugs scene.knowbeinvolvedrugappear/arrive on a scene (=become known) He first appeared on the arts scene in the 1960s.appearart
verb (past tense drank /dræŋk/, past participle drunk /drʌŋk/)Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: drincan Verb form
1 [intransitive and transitive] to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it: You should drink plenty of water.shallWhat would you like to drink?willTake a seat while I get you something to drink.She filled the glass and drank.filldrink2[intransitive]DRUNK to drink alcohol, especially regularly or too much: He’s been drinking heavily since his wife died.bedrinkdieI don’t drink.Don’t drink and drive.My flatmate Cherry drinks like a fish (=regularly drinks a lot of alcohol).drink3drink yourself silly/into a stupor/to death etc to drink so much alcohol that you become very drunk or unconscious, or die: If he goes on this way he’ll drink himself to death.go4drink somebody under the table to drink more alcohol than someone but not feel as ill as them: He could drink nearly anyone under the table.can5What are you drinking? spoken used to offer to buy someone a drink, especially in a pub6drink sb’s health British English to wish someone good health before having an alcoholic drinkTHESAURUSsip (also take a sip) to drink something very slowlyslurp informal to drink something in a noisy waygulp something down (also down something) to drink all of something very quicklyknock something back informal to drink all of an alcoholic drink very quicklyswig (also take/have a swig) informal to drink something quickly with large mouthfuls, especially from a bottleswallow to make food or drink go down your throat and towards your stomach: She swallowed the bitter medicine instead of spitting it out.swallowspitdrink something ↔ in phrasal verb ATTENTIONto look at, listen to, feel, or smell something in order to enjoy it: She just sat there, drinking in the atmosphere.sitdrinkdrink to something phrasal verb1CELEBRATEto wish someone success, good luck, good health etc before having an alcoholic drink: Let’s drink to your success in your new job.2I’ll drink to that! spokenAGREE used to agree with what someone has saiddrink up phrasal verb to drink all of somethingdrink something ↔ upDrink up your milk.
drinknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdrinkdrinksdrinkdrink2 S1 W2 nounWord family1[countable] an amount of liquid that you drink, or the act of drinking somethingdrink ofHave a drink of water.He took a drink of his coffee.take2[uncountable and countable] liquid that you can drink: What’s your favourite drink?food and drink companiescompany3[uncountable and countable] an alcoholic drink: He’d obviously had a few drinks.havedrinkLet’s go for a drink.4[uncountable] the habit of drinking too much alcohol, in a way that is very bad for your health: The marriage ended because of her husband’s drink problem (=he drank too much alcohol).endThey had driven him to drink (=made him start drinking too much alcohol regularly).havedriveAfter her retirement from the stage she took to drink (=started drinking too much alcohol).take5drinks [plural] British English a social occasion when you have alcoholic drinks and sometimes foodfor drinksDon’t forget we’re invited to the Jones’ for drinks on Sunday.invitedrink6the drink old-fashionedWATER the sea, a lake, or another large area of waterCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1, 2, & 3verbshave a drink (=drink something, especially an alcoholic drink) Let’s go and have a drink.take a drink He took another long drink of water.takego for a drink (=go to a pub or bar) Why don’t we go for a drink after work?buy/get somebody a drink (=in a pub or a bar) It’s my turn to buy you a drink.pour (somebody) a drink She got out two glasses and poured us a drink.getglasspourmake (somebody) a drink (=make tea or coffee) Shall I make you a hot drink?sip your drink (=drink it in very small amounts) Connie was sitting at the table, sipping her drink slowly.besitsipdown your drink (=drink it very quickly) He downed his drink and stood up.downstandadjectivesa soft drink (=which does not contain alcohol) Would you like some wine, or a soft drink?willan alcoholic drink (=containing alcohol) Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks will be available.drinka fizzy drink British English, a carbonated drink American English (=with bubbles of gas) Dentists have warned that sweet fizzy drinks are bad for children’s teeth.dentistwarndrinkbechildtootha hot/warm drink Come inside and I’ll make you a hot drink.a cool/cold drink They were all out in the garden, sipping cool drinks.besipdrinka refreshing drink (=making you feel less tired or hot) Enjoy a refreshing drink in our lakeside café.refresha stiff/strong drink (=a drink with a lot of strong alcohol) He was in need of a stiff drink to calm himself down.bea relaxing/leisurely drink (=that you drink in a slow relaxed way) The hotel terrace is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing drink.berelaxa diet drink/a low-calorie drink (=containing less sugar than ordinary ones) People are buying more and more diet drinks.bebuydrinka celebratory drink (=in order to celebrate something) After winning the game, they went out for a celebratory drink.wingoTHESAURUSdrink something that you drink: ‘Would you like a drink?’ ‘Yes, I’ll have a lemonade.’will | They had a few drinks in a local bar.havedrinksomething to drink especially spoken a drink: Can I get you something to drink?soft drink a cold drink that does not contain alcohol, especially one that is sweet and has bubbles in it: Coca-Cola and other soft drinksdrinktoast a drink, usually of wine, that a group of people have on a special occasion, for example to celebrate something or wish someone luck in the future: At midnight they all drank a toast to the New Year.drinkbeverage /ˈbevərɪdʒ/ formal especially written a drink – often used on menus and signs: Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage.be | the list of beveragesbeverage
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: programme, from Greek, from prographein ‘to write before’ 1a set of instructions given to a computer to make it perform an operation:
a word processing programprocess2the American spelling of programmeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + programa computer program The pictures were generated by a computer program.picturebegeneratea software program a software program that aids in website designaida spreadsheet program (=one that can do calculations with numbers) A spreadsheet program doesn't replace the traditional accounts package.accounta word processing program (=one that you use for writing documents) All word processing programs can check your spelling.processprogramspellan anti-virus program You should update your anti-virus program regularly.shallverbswrite a program They learned how to write their own programs.learnprogramrun a program You have to input this information every time you run the program.use a program The documentation explains how to use the program.explainload/install a program (=put it on your computer) Is that program installed on your computer?beinstalldownload a program You can download the program and use it free of charge for 90 days.day
programverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprogramprogramsprogrammedprogrammingprogramprogram2 verb (past tense and past participle programmed, present participle programming) [transitive]Verb form1to give a computer a set of instructions that it can use to perform a particular operationprogram something to do somethingattempts to program computers to produce and understand speechattemptcomputerAny large high-speed computer can be programmed to learn.program2the American spelling of programme → programmer
adjective (comparative richer, superlative richest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: rice 1wealthy a)RICHsomeone who is rich has a lot of money and valuable possessions OPP poor:
one of the richest women in AmericarichwomanShe found herself a rich husband.findHe thought this was the easiest way to get rich.thinkbeeasythe rich nations of the worldnationfabulously rich British English: She was both beautiful and fabulously rich.beHis brother’s stinking rich (=very rich, in a way that you do not approve of).stink b)the richRICH [plural] people who are rich: houses belonging to the rich and famoushousebelongRegisterIn written English, people sometimes prefer to use affluent rather than rich, because it sounds more formal:In affluent societies the definition of poverty is relative.societybe2large amountLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT containing a lot of somethingrich inCitrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.fruitbeoxygen-rich/nutrient-rich/protein-rich etcPregnant women should eat protein-rich foods.womanshallfoodRich mineral deposits have been found in the sea bed.depositbefindRed meat is a rich source of iron.be3full of interestINTERESTING full of interesting or important facts, events, or ideas: the rich literary tradition of EnglandThe area has a very rich history.haverich ina story that was rich in detailbe4foodSTRONG TASTE OR SMELL rich food contains a lot of butter, cream, or eggs, which make you feel full very quickly OPP light: a rich fruit cakeThe sauce was very rich.be5smell/flavour a rich smell or flavour is strong and pleasant: the rich scent of the pine treestreemeat with a wonderfully rich flavoura rich, fruity wine6colour a rich colour is strong and attractive: a rich dark brown colour7soundLOW SOUND OR VOICE a rich sound is low and pleasant: the rich tone of a celloHe laughed with a rich, throaty chuckle.laugh8soil rich soil is good for growing plants in OPP poor: Vegetables grow well in the rich, black soil.vegetable9clothEXPENSIVE rich cloth is expensive and beautiful: She stroked the rich velvet of the dress enviously.stroke10that’s rich (coming from him/you etc) British English spokenUNFAIR used to say that what someone has said is unreasonable and that they are criticizing you for doing something that they do themselves: He accused me of being dishonest, which was a bit rich coming from him.accusebebebitecomeCOLLOCATIONSadverbsvery rich He is a very rich man.beextremely rich He came from an extremely rich Viennese family.comeimmensely rich (=extremely rich) He was immensely rich and owned two yachts.beownyachtfabulously rich (=extremely rich) She must have been fabulously rich to live in a house like this.beseriously rich (=very rich) They stand to become seriously rich if the venture succeeds.succeedstinking/filthy rich disapproving (=very rich) She was obviously stinking rich.bestinkverbsget rich They just wanted to get rich.want | get rich quick schemesschemebecome rich Over the years, he became enormously rich.yearbecomegrow rich (=become rich) They have grown rich by selling this technology to other companies.growsellcompanymake somebody rich The trade in tea made the British rich.makephrasesthe new rich disapproving (=people who have recently become rich and spend a lot of money) For Russia's new rich, life is a candy store.beTHESAURUSrich having a lot of money – used about people and places: She married a rich Greek shipowner.marry | one of the world’s richest nationsrichnationwealthy rich – used about people and places, especially when they have been rich for a long time: wealthy landownerslandowner | Orange County is a very wealthy area.be | a wealthy Arab businessmanaffluent formal rich – used about societies, groups of people, or areas where people live, where people have nice houses and a lot of expensive possessions: today’s affluent society | affluent young professionalsprofessional | an affluent suburb of Bostonprosperous formal rich – used about places and groups of people, especially when their money is related to success in business: Sales have grown fastest in the more prosperous areas of the south.salegrowfastarea | prosperous merchants and bankersmerchantbankerwell-off fairly rich compared to other people, so that you can live very comfortably: Her parents are pretty well-off.parentbe | children from well-off familieschildfamilywell-to-do written rich – used especially in the past about families and people who had a fairly high position in society: Only well-to-do families could afford to send their children to university.familycanchild | The Westons were now well-to-do and there was no necessity for work.bebeprivileged having special advantages because your family have a lot of money and a high position in society: He comes from a privileged background.comeprivilege | The sport was only played by a privileged few.beplayprivilegecomfortably off [not before noun] having enough money to have a nice life without having to worry about money: I wouldn’t say that we were rich – just comfortably off.bebe rolling in it/be loaded informal to be extremely rich: They’ve got two houses and a boat – they must be rolling in it.gethouseroll | Her books were so successful that she’s loaded now.bookbeloadCOLLOCATIONS CHECKwealthy person/family/areaaffluent society/area/family/lifestyleprosperous area/economy/middle classwell-to-do familyprivileged person/background/few/elite
verb
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: delivrer, from Latin liberare ‘to set free’ Verb form1take something somewhere [intransitive and transitive]TAKE/BRING to take goods, letters, packages etc to a particular place or person:
The morning mail has just been delivered.havebedeliverDo you deliver on Saturdays?deliver something to somebodyThey set off to deliver supplies to an isolated village.supplyisolateI’m having some flowers delivered for her birthday.haveflowerdeliver2deliver a speech/lecture/address etcTALK/MAKE A SPEECH to make a speech etc to a lot of people: The king delivered a televised speech to the nation on November 5.deliverteleviseRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say give a speech/lecture/talk rather than deliver a speech/lecture/talk.3do something you should do [intransitive and transitive]DOPROMISE to do or provide the things you are expected to, because you are responsible for them or they are part of your job: the costs of delivering adequate nursing carecostdelivernursethe failure of some services to deliver the goods (=do what they have promised)servicegoodThe company will deliver on its promises.promise4baby [transitive] to help a woman give birth to her baby, or to give birth to a baby: They rushed her to hospital where doctors delivered her baby.rushdoctordeliver5blow/shock etc [transitive]GIVE to give something such as a blow, shock, or warning to someone or something: He delivered a strong warning about the dangers facing the government.deliverwarndangerface6deliver a judgment/verdictJUDGE to officially state a formal decision or judgment: The jury delivered a verdict of unlawful killing.deliverkill7person [transitive]GIVE formal to put someone into someone else’s controldeliver somebody to somebodySharett had betrayed him and delivered him to the enemy.havebetraydeliver8votes [transitive] especially American English to get the votes or support of a particular group of people in an election: He cannot deliver the Latino vote.9make somebody free of something [transitive]SAVE/RESCUE literary or biblical to help someone escape from something bad or evildeliver somebody from something‘Deliver us from evil,’ she prayed.pray—delivererdeliverersdeliverer noun [countable]THESAURUStake to move or go with someone or something from one place to another: Don’t forget to take your keys.key | Shall I take you home? | I took Alice a cup of tea.takebring to take someone or something to the place where you are now: We’ve brought someone to see you!bring | Will you bring your photos with you when you come?phototransport to take large quantities of goods from one place to another in a plane, train, ship etc: The plane is used for transporting military equipment.beusetransport | The coal was transported by rail.betransportdeliver to take goods, letters, newspapers etc to someone’s home or office: Unfortunately, the package was delivered to the wrong address.bedeliverfly to take someone or something somewhere by plane: The bread is specially flown in from Paris.beflyship to take goods from one place to another – this can be by ship, truck, plane, or train: Half the whisky is shipped to Japan and the US.beshipcarry to take people or goods somewhere – used especially when saying how many people or things, or what kind: The new plane can carry up to 600 passengers.passenger | The ship was carrying a full cargo of oil.becarrylead to take someone to a place by going in front of them: He led Julia through the house to his study.lead | Roland led the way back to the car in silence.leadguide to take someone to a place and show them the way: Emily guided him through a side gate into a large garden.guideescort to take someone to a place and protect or guard them: The prisoner was escorted into the room by two police officers.beescortofficer | The singer was escorted by her assistant and her bodyguard.beescortusher to politely lead someone somewhere and show them where to go, especially because it is your job to do this: We were ushered into the lift by a man in uniform.beusherdeliver something ↔ up phrasal verb formal GIVEto give something to someone else: A bankrupt must deliver up all his books, papers and records.bookpaperrecord
noun [uncountable]Date: 900-1000Language: Latin
Origin: purpura, from Greek porphyra type of shellfish from which purple coloring was obtained a dark colour that is a mixture of red and blue purpleadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryCorpus examplespurplepurplerpurplestpurplepurple2
adjective1having a dark colour that is a mixture of red and blue2purple with rage/purple in the face etc with a face that is dark red, caused by anger: His face turned purple with rage.turn3purple patch a time when you are very successful – used especially in news reports: Steve’s purple patch continued with a second victory on Tuesday.continue4purple prose/passage writing that uses difficult or unusual words – used in order to show disapproval
verb (past tense bore /bɔː $ bɔːr/, past participle borne /bɔːn $ bɔːrn/) [transitive]
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: beran Verb form1deal with somethingBRAVE to bravely accept or deal with a painful, difficult, or upsetting situation SYN stand:
She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to bear the pain.beOvercrowding makes prison life even harder to bear.overcrowdmakehardMake the water as hot as you can bear.The humiliation was more than he could bear.becanBlack people continue to bear the brunt of most racial violence (=have to deal with the most difficult or damaging part).Passengers could be insulting, and stewardesses just had to grin and bear it (=accept it without complaining).passengercaninsultstewardesshaveExperts were worried the financial system would not be able to bear the strain.expertbeworrywillRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that they can’t stand something, rather than that they can't bear it:I couldn’t stand the noise any longer.long2can’t bear something spoken a)SUFFERto be so upset about something that you feel unable to accept it or let it happen SYN can’t stand: Please don’t leave me. I couldn’t bear it.can’t bear the thought of (doing) somethingI just can’t bear the thought of having to start all over.thinkhavecan’t bear to do somethingI can’t bear to see her cry.can’t bear doing somethingI couldn’t bear not seeing him again.see b)DON'T LIKEto dislike something or someone very much, often so that they make you feel annoyed or impatient SYN can’t stand: Oh, I really can’t bear him.can’t bear somebody doing somethingHe can’t bear people smoking while he’s eating.smokeeatcan’t bear doing somethingI can’t bear being cold.be3bear (something) in mindREMEMBER to remember a fact or piece of information that is important or could be useful in the future SYN keep (something) in mindbear in mind (that)Bear in mind that some children will need help.child4accept/be responsible for formalPAY FOR to be responsible for or accept somethingbear the costs/burdenEach company will bear half the costs of development.costFares have gone up, perhaps to more than the market will bear.faregobear the responsibility/blame etcDeveloped countries bear much of the responsibility for environmental problems.developcountryproblem5supportSUPPORT/HOLD UP to be under something and support it SYN hold: My leg was painful, and I wasn’t sure it would bear my weight.bewilla tray bearing a bottle and several glassesbearglassa load-bearing wallbear6SHOW/BE A SIGN OFsign/mark formal to have or show a sign, mark, or particular appearance, especially when this shows that something has happened or is true SYN have: The letter bore no signature.beara car bearing diplomatic license platesbearplateThe labels bear a yellow and black symbol.labelThe town still bears the scars of the bombings during the war.bearscarbombingThe store bears the hallmarks (=it has the qualities) of a family-owned business.bearhallmarkown7bear a resemblance/relation to somebody/somethingLIKE/SIMILAR to be similar to someone or something else: The child bore a striking resemblance to his father.bearstrikeThe things she says bear little relation to what she actually does.thingsaydo8BABY/HAVE A BABYbaby formal to give birth to a baby: She might never be able to bear children.childbear somebody a child/son/daughterShe bore him three sons.bearson9bear fruit a)SUCCEED IN DOING STHif a plan, decision etc bears fruit, it is successful, especially after a long period of time: Charles’s diplomacy eventually bore fruit.bear b)if a tree bears fruit, it produces fruit10INVESTIGATEable to be examined/compared etc [often in negatives] to be suitable or good enough to be examined, compared, repeated etc without failing or being wrong: The production figures did not bear scrutiny.figuredoWe believe our pupils’ results will bear comparison with any in Scotland.pupilresultThe story is well known, but it certainly bears repeating.beknowbearrepeat11something doesn’t bear thinking aboutUNPLEASANT used to say that something is so upsetting or shocking that you prefer not to think about it: The long-term consequences of a nuclear leak don’t bear thinking about.consequencethink12bear interest if a bank account, investment etc bears interest, the bank pays you a particular amount of money for keeping your money in the account13CARRYcarry literary to carry someone or something, especially something important: The wedding guests arrived, bearing gifts.guestarrivebeargiftThe US Constitution states that the people have a right to bear arms.statearm14bring pressure/influence to bear (on somebody/something)POWER to use your influence or power to get what you want: Unions can bring pressure to bear on governments.uniongovernment15bear witness/testimony to something formalSHOW/BE A SIGN OF to show that something is true or exists: The empty workshops bear witness to the industrial past.workshop16ANGRYhave feelings formal to have a particular feeling, especially a bad feelingbear (somebody) a grudge (=continue to feel annoyed after a long time)It was an accident. I don’t bear any grudges.begrudgebear somebody no malice/ill will etc (=not feel angry)He was just doing his job, and I bore him no malice.bedobear17bear right/leftWAY/ROUTE to turn towards the right or left: When you reach the fork in the trail, bear left.leave18bear yourself formalWALKSTAND/BEAR to walk, stand etc in a particular way, especially when this shows your character: She bore herself with great dignity.bear19MOVE STH OR SBwind/water literary if wind, water, or air bears something, it carries it somewhere: The sound of music was borne along on the wind.bebear20NAME OF A THINGname/title formal to have a particular name or title: He bore the name ‘Magnus’.bearCOLLOCATIONSbear + NOUNbear the pain He knew that he couldn’t bear the pain much longer.knowlongbear the heat/cold Some people find it hard to bear the heat in the summer.bear the strain/pressure Mark couldn’t bear the pressure of the job any longer.longphrasescan hardly bear something (=find something very difficult or upsetting to do) He was so ashamed that he could hardly bear to look at her.becanbe unable to bear something Fiona was unable to bear the thought of selling the house.bethinksellbe hard to bear The situation was very hard to bear.bebe more than somebody can bear He sometimes felt the grief was more than he could bear.feelbecanbear the brunt of something (=be in the worst position and have to deal with it) Shareholders will bear the brunt of the company’s financial troubles.shareholdertroublegrin and bear it (=accept it without complaining) It was a horrible job but she had to grin and bear it.behavebear down phrasal verb1bear down on somebody/somethingMOVE/CHANGE POSITION a)to move quickly towards a person or place in a threatening way: a storm bearing down on the islandbear b)to behave in a threatening or controlling way towards a person or group: Federal regulators have been bearing down on campaign contributors.regulatorbebearcontributor2PRESSto use all your strength and effort to push or press down on somethingbear on/upon something phrasal verb formal CONNECTED WITHto relate to and possibly influence something: the national policies which bear on these problemspolicyproblembear somebody/sth↔ out phrasal verb PROVEif facts or information bear out a claim, story, opinion etc, they help to prove that it is true SYN support: Evidence bears out the idea that students learn best in small groups.bearstudentwellgroupbear up phrasal verb BRAVEto show courage or determination during a difficult or unpleasant time: How is he bearing up since the accident?bebearbear with somebody/something phrasal verb1bear with me spokenWAIT used to ask someone politely to wait while you find out information, finish what you are doing etc: Bear with me a minute, and I’ll check if Mr Garrard’s in.2WAITto be patient or continue to do something difficult or unpleasant: It’s boring, but please bear with it.bore
bearnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbearbearsbearbear2 noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bera
1 a large strong animal with thick fur, that eats flesh, fruit, and insects: a mother bear and her cubscub → grizzly bear, polar bear, teddy bear2American English informal something that is very difficult to do or to deal with: The chemistry test was a bear.be3be like a bear with a sore head British English informalBAD-TEMPERED to be rude to people because you are feeling bad-tempered4technical someone who sells shares or goods when they expect the price to fall → bull
noun
Word family1decision [countable]DECIDE a formal decision or statement agreed on by a group of people, especially after a votepass/adopt/approve a resolutionThe resolution was passed by a two-thirds majority.bepassthirda resolution calling for a ban on dumping nuclear wastecalldumpThey have failed to comply with the resolution.fail2solution [singular, uncountable]SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEM when someone solves a problem, argument, or difficult situationresolution ofa forum for the resolution of commercial disputesdispute3promise [countable]PROMISE a promise to yourself to do something → resolveresolution to do somethingCarol made a resolution to work harder at school.makehardNew Year’s resolution (=a resolution made on January 1st)4determination [uncountable]DETERMINED strong belief and determination: Then, with sudden resolution, she stood up.stand5clear picture [uncountable and countable] the power of a television, camera, microscope etc to give a clear picturehigh/low resolution (=how clear or unclear the picture is)COLLOCATIONSverbspass/approve a resolution The Security Council passed a resolution condemning the country’s aggression.passcondemnadopt a resolution (=pass it) The resolution was adopted by 12 votes to none.beadoptvotereject a resolution The National Assembly rejected the resolution.rejectpropose/introduce/put forward a resolution The resolution was proposed by the chairman of the committee.beproposetable a resolution (=officially propose it) Siddall tabled a resolution asking for the Board’s approval of the Five Year Business Plan.tableaskvote on a resolution Are there any comments you wish to make before we vote on this resolution?becommenta resolution calling for something We support the EU resolution calling for a ban on the use of these fishing nets.callfishneta resolution condemning something The UN Security Council tabled a resolution condemning the invasion.tablecondemn
noun (plural agencies) [countable]1a business that provides a particular service for people or organizationsan advertising/employment/travel etc agencya local housing agencyhouse → dating agency, news agency2an organization or department, especially within a government, that does a specific job: a UN agency responsible for helping refugeeshelprefugeethe Environmental Protection Agency3by/through the agency of somebody formalHELP being done as the result of someone’s help
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: confirmer, from Latin confirmare, from com- ( → COM-) + firmare ‘to make firm’ Verb form1PROVEto show that something is definitely true, especially by providing more proof OPP refute:
New evidence has confirmed the first witness’s story.haveconfirmTo confirm my diagnosis I need to do some tests.testconfirm thatResearch has confirmed that the risk is higher for women.haveconfirmbehighwomanconfirm whatThe new results confirm what most of us knew already.resultknow2SAY/STATEto say that something is definitely true OPP deny: The President refused to confirm the rumor.refuseManagers have so far refused to confirm or deny reports that up to 200 jobs are to go.managerrefusereportjobbeconfirm thatWalsh confirmed that the money had been paid.confirmhavebepayconfirm whatMy brother will confirm what I have told you.tell3CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYto tell someone that a possible arrangement, date, or situation is now definite or official: Could you confirm the dates we discussed?candatediscussSmith was confirmed as the club’s new manager yesterday.beconfirmconfirm a booking/reservation/appointmentI am writing to confirm a booking for a single room for the night of 6 June.bewritebook4STRONG FEELING OR BELIEFto make you believe that your idea or feeling is rightconfirm your fears/doubts/suspicions etcThis just confirms my worst fears.confirmillfearconfirm you in your belief/opinion/view etc (that) (=make you believe something more strongly)The expression on his face confirmed me in my suspicions.confirmsuspicion5be confirmed to be made a full member of the Christian church in a special ceremonyTHESAURUSconfirm if a piece of new information confirms an idea or belief that people already have, it shows that it is definitely true: Police have found new evidence that confirms his story.findconfirm | The discovery seems to confirm that people lived here over 10,000 years ago.seemliveyearprove to show that something is definitely true by providing facts: DNA tests proved that he was the father of the child.testprovebe | I think we’ve proved that we are a good team.provebeback up to provide additional information to help prove that a statement, belief, or explanation is correct: When you write a history essay, you should back up all your points with facts.shallpointfact | Wright was accused of pretending to be injured, and this was backed up by video evidence.beaccusepretendinjurebebacksupport to help to prove that a belief, idea etc is probably true: Do you have any evidence to support these claims?claim | The notion that women are worse drivers than men is simply not supported by the facts.womanbeilldrivermanbesupportfactbear something out if facts or information bear out a claim or opinion, they suggest that something is likely to be true: Most of the available evidence bears out the view that students learn better in small classes.bearstudentwellclass | Marriage is not always easy; a fact that is clearly borne out in divorce statistics.bebebearstatisticcorroborate formal to provide additional information which supports or agrees with something – used in scientific and legal contexts: Levine claims that a third car was involved in the accident and witnesses have corroborated this.claimbeinvolvewitnesscorroborate | Professor Carling’s findings have been corroborated by more recent research.findingbecorroboratesubstantiate formal to provide additional information that helps to prove that a statement is correct, especially if the statement is difficult to believe: A police investigation failed to substantiate the claim that he had been sexually abused.failhavebeabusevalidate formal to prove that information or results are correct by using scientific tests or very careful checking – used in scientific or technical contexts: All the information used in this report has been validated by an independent panel of experts.usehavebevalidateexpert
nounWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: functio, from fungi ‘to perform’ 1[uncountable and countable]PURPOSE the purpose that something has, or the job that someone or something doesperform/fulfil a function
In your new job you will perform a variety of functions.functionThe church fulfils a valuable social function.fulfilThe nervous system regulates our bodily functions (=eating, breathing, going to the toilet etc).regulatefunctionBauhaus architects thought that function was more important than form.architectthinkbe2[countable]PARTY a large party or official event: This room may be hired for weddings and other functions.hireweddingfunction3[countable usually singular] technical a quantity or quality whose value changes according to another quantity or quality that is related to it: The degree of drought is largely a function of temperature and drainage.be4[countable] one of the basic operations performed by a computerTHESAURUSparty a social event when a lot of people meet together to enjoy themselves by eating, drinking, dancing etc: We’re having a party for Sarah’s 40th birthday.have | I met my boyfriend at a party.meetget-together an informal party: Christmas is the perfect time for a family get-together.beball a large formal party where people dance: the end of term ballrave a large party which is held outside or in an empty building, where people dance to music and take illegal drugsreception a large formal party, especially one after a wedding or to welcome an important person: The wedding reception is at a nearby hotel.be | a reception for the Thai Foreign Minister | They attended a White House reception to mark the Queen’s visit.attendfunction a large formal or official party: He has been asked to play at many corporate functions (=an official party held by a company).havebeaskfunctioncelebration a party or special event that is organized in order to celebrate something: the country’s 50th anniversary celebrationscelebration | It was a 21st birthday celebration which Mary would never forget.bewillbash informal a party, especially a big one that a lot of famous people go to – used especially in journalism: the star’s birthday bash | a picture of him at a Hollywood bash | a showbiz bashdo British English informal a party: We’re having a do to celebrate Margaret’s birthday.havedinner party a party where people are invited to someone’s house for an evening meal: I met him at a dinner party.meethouse-warming (party) a party that you have when you move into a new house: We’re having a house-warming next week.havewarmcocktail party (also drinks party British English) a party that people go to in order to talk and have a drink together for a few hoursfancy-dress party British English, costume party American English a party where people dress in special clothes, for example to look like a famous person or a character in a storyhen party especially British English a social event just before a wedding, for a woman who is getting married and her female friendsstag night British English, bachelor party American English a social event just before a wedding, for a man who is getting married and his male friendsbaby/wedding shower American English an event at which people give presents to a woman who is going to have a baby or get married
functionverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfunctionfunctionsfunctionedfunctioningfunctionfunction2 AC verb [intransitive]Word familyVerb form1WORKING/NOT BROKENto work in the correct or intended way SYN operatefunction normally/correctly/properly etcFlights in and out of Taipei are functioning normally again.flightbefunctionHer legs have now ceased to function.legceaseYou know I can’t function (=cannot perform normal activities) without a coffee in the morning.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that something works rather than functions:If the system is working as it should, you’ll be paid within two weeks.beworkshallpayweek2WORKING/NOT BROKENif something functions in a particular way, it works in that way: an understanding of how the economy functionsunderstandfunctionfunction as something phrasal verb WORKING/NOT BROKENif something functions as a particular thing, it does what that type of thing normally does, or is used as that thing: A library is functioning as a temporary hospital to cope with casualties.befunctioncasualty
adjective
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: wilde
1plants/animals [usually before noun]NATURAL living in a natural state, not changed or controlled by people OPP tame: wild animalsanimala field full of wild flowersflowerwild horse/dog/pig etcanimals both wild and domesticatedanimaldomesticatewild mushroom/garlic/rose etc2land not used by people for farming, building etc: Nepal is stunning, with its wild, untamed landscape.bethe wild and lonely Scottish hillshill3emotionsCONTROL feeling or expressing strong uncontrolled emotions, especially anger, happiness, or excitement: wild laughterwild withHe was wild with rage.be4behaviourCRAZY behaving in an uncontrolled, sometimes violent way: She was completely wild in high school.beDonny could be wild and crazy.canThere was a wild look about her (=she seemed a little crazy).be5go wild a)EXCITEDto behave in a very excited uncontrolled way: The crowd went wild as soon as the singer stepped onto the stage.gostep b)to get very angry: When Tony heard how much it was going to cost, he just went wild.hearbegogo6enjoyable informalENJOY/LIKE DOING STH very enjoyable and exciting: ‘How was the party?’ ‘It was wild!’bebe7be wild about something/somebody informalINTERESTED to like something or someone very much: My son’s wild about football.I’m not that wild about rap music, to be honest.8without careful thoughtTHINK ABOUT done or said without much thought or care, or without knowing all the facts: wild accusationsaccusationI’m just making a wild guess here, so correct me if I’m wrong.make9beyond sb’s wildest dreamsEXPECT beyond anything that someone imagined or hoped for: an invention that was to change our lives beyond our wildest dreamsbelivewilddream10not/never in your wildest dreams used to say that you did not expect or imagine that something would happen, especially after it has happened: Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to win first place.wilddreamdo11weather/sea violent and strong: a wild and angry sea12card games a card that is wild can be used to represent any other card in a game13wild horses would/could not ... used to say that someone is determined not to go somewhere, do something etc: Wild horses would not have dragged him into a vegetarian restaurant.horsewilldrag—wildnesswildnesseswildness noun [uncountable] → wild card, → sow your wild oats at sow1(3)THESAURUSnatural existing in nature and not caused, made, or controlled by people: a natural lake | natural light | the earth's natural resourcesresource | We only use natural ingredients in our products.ingredientproduct | his natural hair colourwild used about flowers, plants, and animals that are not controlled by people. Also used about areas of land where there are no humans: We found some wild strawberries.findstrawberry | wild horseshorse | wild open spacesspacepure used about food, drink, or materials that have not had anything added to them: pure orange juice | pure new woolorganic used about fruit, vegetables, meat etc produced without using chemicals: organic carrotscarrot | organic milk | organic beauty productsproductunspoiled (also unspoilt British English) a place that is unspoiled is still beautiful because no one has built roads or buildings on it: It was a pleasant unspoilt village.be | The countryside is remarkably unspoiled.beuntouched [not before noun] a place that is untouched has not been affected by human activity: There are few forested areas of the world that remain untouched by humans.beareahumanvirgin [only before noun] virgin forest or land is still in its natural state and has not been spoiled or changed in any way by humans: Large areas of virgin rainforest will be protected from destruction.areaprotect | He bought 14,000 acres of virgin land in Ontario.buyacre
wildadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entrieswildwildwild2 adverbWord family1run wild a)if children or animals run wild, they behave in an uncontrolled way because there is no one to control them b)if something runs wild, it is not controlled and operates in an extremely free way: Be creative – allow your imagination to run wild. c)if plants run wild, they grow a lot in an uncontrolled way2grow wild if plants grow wild somewhere, they have not been planted by people
wildnounCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleswildwildswildwild3 nounWord family1in the wildNATURAL in natural and free conditions, not kept or controlled by people: There are very few pandas living in the wild now.bepandalive2the wilds of Africa/Alaska etcFAR areas where there are no towns and not many people live
noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1000-1100Language: Old Norse
Origin: skor ‘mark cut into a surface, count, twenty’ 1in a gameRESULT the number of points that each team or player has won in a game or competition:
At half-time the score was one all.beWhat’s the score?Is anybody keeping score (=making a record of the score)?bekeepThe final score was Southampton two, Leeds United nil.beunitescore ofa score of 3–22in a test or experiment a)the number of points a student has earned for correct answers in a test: The school’s test scores have not improved.scoreimprovescore ofa score of 90% b)the number of points that a person or group of people gets in a scientific test or experimentscore ofHe had an IQ score of 120.have3music a written or printed copy of a piece of music, especially for a large group of performers, or the music itself: a musical scoreWho wrote the score for the movie?write4on that score spokenSITUATION concerning the particular thing you have just mentioned: As for the cost, you don’t need to worry on that score.5know the score informalKNOW STH to know the real facts of a situation, including any unpleasant ones: We are trying to attract managers who know the score.betrymanager6settle a scoreREVENGE to do something to harm or hurt someone who has harmed or hurt you in the past: Jack came back after five years to settle some old scores.comeyearscore7markMARK a mark that has been cut onto a surface with a sharp tool: deep scores in the woodscore
scoreverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesscorescoresscoredscoringscorescore2 S3 W2 verb
Word familyVerb form1win points [intransitive and transitive]SCORE to win a point in a sport, game, competition, or test: Great cheers went up when he scored in the final minute of the game.cheergoscoreShe scored an average of 9.9 in the test.scorescore a goal/point/run etcHe has scored 12 goals so far this season.havescoregoal2give points [transitive] to give a particular number of points in a game, competition, test, or experiment SYN mark: Each event will be scored separately.scoreResponses to the individual items are scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 12.responseitembescorerange3score points a)(also score off somebody) to say or do something in an attempt to prove that you are better or cleverer than someone else: Too many MPs use debates as a chance to score political points.debatepointscore points over/offAdvertising may be used to score points off the competition.advertiseusepoint b)informal to do or say something to please someone or to make them respect youscore points withYou’ll score points with your girlfriend if you send her roses.pointrose4succeed [intransitive and transitive] informalSUCCESSFUL to be very successful in something you do: Her new book has scored a spectacular success.havescore5have sex [intransitive] informalSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to have sex with someone, especially someone you have just met6line [transitive]MARK to mark a line on a piece of paper, wood etc using a sharp instrument: Scoring the paper first makes it easier to fold.scoremakeeasy7music [transitive usually passive] to arrange a piece of music for a group of instruments or voices8get drugs [intransitive and transitive] informalBUY to manage to buy or get illegal drugsscore off somebody phrasal verb British English to say or do something in an attempt to prove that you are better or cleverer than someone else: He liked scoring off his pupils in his days as a teacher.likescorepupildayscore something ↔ out/through phrasal verb WRITEto draw a line through something that has been written
scorenumberCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesscorescorescore3 number1 (plural score) a group of 20, or about 20, people or thingsa score of somethingOur coach was escorted by a score of policemen.beescortpolicemanthree score years and ten old use (=70 years, a person’s expected length of life)2scores of somethingLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT a lot of people or things: Scores of victims were killed.scorevictimbekill3by the score in large numbers: Friends came to help by the score.friendcome
noun [countable]Sense 1:Date: 1800-1900
Origin: fanaticSense 2:
Date: 700-800
Language: Latin
Origin: vannus 1LIKE SB OR STHSUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLANsomeone who likes a particular sport or performing art very much, or who admires a famous person:
Groups of football fans began heading towards the ground.groupfanbeginheadgrindfan ofHe’s a big fan of Elvis Presley.fan mail/letters (=letters sent to famous people by their fans)2a)a machine with turning blades that is used to cool the air in a room by moving it around: a ceiling fan b)a flat object that you wave with your hand which makes the air coolerCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + fana football/tennis/baseball etc fan Jack is a keen football fan.bea music/jazz/rock etc fan Jazz fans are in for a treat at this year’s Montreux Jazz Festival.fanbea film/movie fan This book is a must for all film fans.befana Manchester United/Redsox/Colts etc fan Manchester United fans were delighted with their team’s victory.unitefanbedelighta Rolling Stones/Kylie Minogue etc fan Mike has been a lifelong Kylie Minogue fan.havebea big/huge/massive fan Elizabeth is a massive fan of Elton John.bea devoted fan (=a strong supporter or admirer) Devoted fans from all over the country have travelled to the concert.devotefantravela loyal fan (=fans who always support someone) He will be playing to hundreds of loyal fans on Sunday.playhundredfanadoring fans (=fans who like and admire someone very much) She’s mobbed by adoring fans wherever she goes.mobadorefangosb’s number one fan She told Dave that she was his number one fan.tellbenumbrival/opposing/opposition fans (=fans who support different teams competing against each other) There were fights between rival fans outside the stadium.befightfanhome fans (=fans at their own team’s sports field) The home fans cheered the team onto the pitch.fancheeraway fans (=fans visiting another team’s sports field) Two sections of the ground had been allocated to away fans.sectiongrindhavebeallocatefanfan + NOUNfan mail The group receives lots of fan mail.receivelota fan club Her fan club has 25,000 members in the UK alone.havememberfan base (=the people who are someone’s biggest fans) The band has built up a loyal fan base over the years.havebuildyearverbsfans cheer/applaud (somebody/something) Fans on both sides applauded their skill and spirit.fansideapplaudfans boo (somebody/something) Their own fans booed them off the pitch.fanboofans chant something England fans chanted his name.fanchantdisappoint fans The concert was cancelled, disappointing hundreds of fans.becanceldisappointhundredfan
fanverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfanfansfannedfanningfanfan2 verb [transitive] (past tense and past participle fanned, present participle fanning)Verb form1COLDto make air move around by waving a fan, piece of paper etc so that you feel coolerfan yourselfPeople in the audience were fanning themselves with their programmes.befanprogramme2INCREASE IN ACTIVITY, FEELINGS ETC literary to make someone feel an emotion more strongly SYN fuel: Her resistance only fanned his desire.fanfan the flames (of something)The book will serve to fan the flames of debate.flame3fan a fire/flame etcBURN to make a fire burn more strongly by blowing or moving the air near it: The wind rose, fanning a few sparks in the brush.risefansparkfan out phrasal verb1SPREADif a group of people fan out, they walk forwards while spreading over a wide area2SPREADfan something ↔ out to spread out a group of things that you are holding so that they make a half-circle: Fan the cards out, then pick one.card3if something such as hair or clothing fans out, it spreads out in many directions
noun
1season [uncountable and countable] the season between winter and summer when leaves and flowers appearspring ofthe spring of 1933in/during the springIt’s due to open in the spring.late/early springIt was a cold, sunny day in early spring.bespring flowersflower2
curved metal a)[countable usually plural] something, usually a twisted piece of metal, that will return to its previous shape after it has been pressed down: an old armchair with broken springsbreakspring b)[uncountable]SOFT the ability of a chair, bed etc to return to its normal shape after being pressed down3water [countable] a place where water comes up naturally from the ground: spring waterThere are several hot springs in the area.bespring4spring in your stepENERGETIC if you walk with a spring in your step, you move quickly and happily: As he walked into the office that morning, there was a spring in his step.walkbe5full of the joys of spring happy and full of energy – used humorously6sudden jump [singular]JUMP a sudden quick movement or jump in a particular direction SYN leap
springverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesspringspringssprangsprungspringingspringspring2 verb (past tense sprang /spræŋ/ or sprung /sprʌŋ/ American English, past participle sprung)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: springan Verb form1move suddenlyJUMP [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move suddenly and quickly in a particular direction, especially by jumping SYN leapspring out of/from
Tom sprung out of bed and ran downstairs.springrunspring out at somebodyTwo men sprang out at me as I was walking through the park.manspringbewalkHe sprang to his feet (=stood up suddenly) and rushed after her.springfootrushspring to sb’s aid/assistance (=move quickly to help someone)One of the young policemen sprang to her assistance.policemanspringRegisterSpring is used mostly in literature. In everyday English, people usually say jump:He jumped out of bed.jump2move back [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]BACK/BACKWARDS if something springs back, open etc, it moves quickly, suddenly, and with force, especially after being pushed down or sidewaysspring back/upThe branch sprang back and hit him in the face.springspring open/shutThe gate sprang shut behind them.spring3spring to (sb’s) mindTHINK STH/HAVE A THOUGHT if someone or something springs to mind, you immediately think of them: Two questions spring to mind.question4spring into action (also spring to/into life)DO STH/TAKE ACTION to suddenly become active, start moving, or start working: They were prepared and ready to spring into action.beprepareFinally, the engine sprang to life.spring5spring a surpriseSURPRISED to do something surprising: Roy is unlikely to spring any surprises.besurprise6tears spring to/into sb’s eyes written used to say that someone starts to cry7spring into existence/beingSTART TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETC to suddenly begin to exist: A lot of small businesses sprang into existence during the 1980s.businessspring8spring a trap a)CATCHif an animal springs a trap, it is caught by the trap b)TRICK/DECEIVEto make someone say or do something by tricking them9spring a leakPOUR if a boat or a container springs a leak, it begins to let liquid in or out through a crack or hole10spring to sb’s defenceDEFEND to quickly defend someone who is being criticized: Charlene sprang immediately to her son’s defence.spring11spring to attention if soldiers spring to attention, they stand suddenly upright12help somebody escape [transitive + from] informalESCAPE to help someone escape from prisonspring for something phrasal verb American English informal to pay for something: I’ll spring for the beer tonight.spring from something phrasal verb spoken CAUSEto be caused by something or start from something: behaviour which springs from prejudicesspringprejudicespring something on somebody phrasal verb TELLto tell someone something or ask them to do something when they do not expect it and are not ready for it: It’s not fair to spring this on her without any warning.warnspring up phrasal verb START TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETCto suddenly appear or start to exist: Fast-food restaurants are springing up all over town.restaurantbespring
verb
Verb form1go from one side to another [intransitive and transitive]CROSS to go or stretch from one side of something such as a road, river, room etc to the othercross toHe crossed to the window.crosscross (over) the road/street/river etcIt’s easy to have an accident just crossing the road.crossHe was hit by a car when he tried to cross over the road near Euston station.betrycross the Atlantic/the Channel etcthe first steamship to cross the AtlanticAn old bridge crosses the river.crosscross overShe crossed over to sit beside Dot.cross2cross a line etc [transitive]CROSS if you cross a line, track etc, you go over and beyond it: He raised his arms in triumph as he crossed the line for his 100-metres win.raisearmcrossmetre3two roads/lines etc [intransitive and transitive]CROSS if two or more roads, lines, etc cross, or if one crosses another, they go across each other: The by-pass crosses Wilton Lane shortly after a roundabout.cross4legs/arms/ankles [transitive] if you cross your legs, arms, or ankles, you put one on top of the other: She was sitting on the floor with her legs crossed.besitlegcross5cross sb’s mind [usually in negatives]THINK STH/HAVE A THOUGHT if you say that an idea, thought etc never crossed your mind, you mean that you did not think of it SYN occur to somebody: It didn’t cross her mind that she might be doing something illegal.dothe thought has (never) crossed my mind (=used to tell someone you have thought of the thing they are suggesting, or have never thought of it)6cross sb’s face writtenEXPRESSION ON SB'S FACE if an expression crosses someone’s face, it appears on their face: A look of surprise crossed her face.cross7cross your fingers used to say that you hope something will happen in the way you want: She hung the washing out, then crossed her fingers for a dry day.hangwashcrossfingerThe exam’s at two. Will you keep your fingers crossed for me?fingercross8breed of plant/animal [transitive]MIX to mix two or more different breeds of animal or plant to form a new breed → crossbreed: a flower produced by crossing several different varietiesproducecrossvarietycross something with somethingThese cattle were crossed with a breed from the highlands.becross9sb’s paths cross (also cross paths)MEET if two people’s paths cross, or if they cross paths, they meet, usually without expecting it: If our paths crossed I usually ignored her.pathcrossignoreWe didn’t cross paths again until 2001.path10cross that bridge when you come to itWORRIED used to say that you will not think or worry about something until it actually happens11cross my heart (and hope to die)TRUEPROMISE spoken informal used to say that you promise that you will do something, or that what you are saying is true12make somebody angry [transitive]ANNOY to make someone angry by opposing their plans or orders: He hated anyone who crossed him.hatecross13sport [intransitive and transitive] to kick, throw, or hit the ball across the playing area in a sport such as football, hockey etc14cheque [transitive] British English to draw two lines across a cheque to show that it must be paid into the bank account of the person whose name is on it15letters [intransitive] if two letters about the same subject cross in the post, each was sent before the other was received16cross swords (with somebody)ARGUE to argue with someone: I’ve crossed swords with him on a number of issues.crossswordnumbissue17cross yourself to move your hand across your upper body in the shape of a cross as a sign of the Christian faith18cross sb’s palm with silver especially British EnglishGIVE to give money to someone when you want them to tell your fortune → dot the i’s and cross the t’s at dot2(4), → cross the Rubicon at RubiconTHESAURUSto traveltravel to go from one place to another, especially places that are far apart: We travelled to Russia by train.travel | I love to travel.go to go somewhere – often used instead of travel: We’re going to Greece for our holidays this year.goholiday | He’s gone to London on business.go | It’s quicker to go by plane.quickcommute to travel to work or school: She commutes to work by bicycle.commutecross to travel across a very large area, for example a desert or ocean: The slaves crossed the Atlantic in the holds of the ships.slavecrossholdshiptour to travel in order to visit many different places, especially as part of a holiday: They’re touring Europe by coach.tourgo trekking to do a long and difficult walk in a place far from towns and cities: They went trekking in the mountains.gotrekmountain | She’s been trekking in Nepal a couple of times.betrektimego backpacking to travel to a lot of different places, carrying your clothes with you in your rucksack: He went backpacking in Australia.gobackpackroam especially written to travel or move around an area with no clear purpose or direction, usually for a long time: When he was young, he roamed from one country to another.beroam | The tribes used to roam around freely, without any fixed territory.tribeusefixjourney literary to travel, especially a long distance: He journeyed on horseback through Palestine.journeycross something ↔ off (also cross something off somethingcross something off something) phrasal verb DEAL WITHto draw a line through one or more things on a list because you have dealt with them or they are not needed any more: Whenever I buy something, I cross it off the list.cross something ↔ out phrasal verb WRONG/INCORRECTto draw a line or lines through something you have written or drawn, usually because it is wrong: I crossed out ‘Miss’ and wrote ‘Ms’.crosswritecross over phrasal verb1if an entertainer crosses over from one area of entertainment to another, they become successful in the second one as well as the first → crossover(2)2DIE British English old use to die
crossnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrosscrossescrosscross2 S3 W3 noun [countable]
Date: 900-1000Language: Old Norse
Origin: kross, from an unrecorded Old Irish cross, from Latin crux 1mixture of things a mixture of two things, breeds, or qualitiescross between
The tour manager’s role is a cross between hostess and courier.beTheir dog is a cross between two well-known breeds.beknowbreed2mark on paper especially British English a)SIGN/INDICATIONa mark (x or +) used on paper, to represent where something is, or where something should be: I’ve put a cross on the map to mark where our street is.bePlease sign your name by the cross. b)CORRECTa mark (x) used on paper to show that something that has been written or printed is not correct: My homework got a lot more ticks than crosses.gettickcross c)SIGN YOUR NAMEa mark (x or +) used by someone who cannot write, in order to sign their name3
Christian sign a)the cross the cross that Jesus Christ died on: Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.diesin b)an object, picture, or mark in the shape of a cross, used as a sign of the Christian faith or for decoration: Pauline wore a tiny gold cross.wear4punishment an upright post of wood with another crossing it near the top, that people in the past were fastened to with nails and left to die on as a punishment5military award a decoration in the shape of a cross that is given to someone as an honour, especially for military courage: He was awarded the George Cross.beaward6sport a)a kick or hit of the ball in a sport such as football, hockey etc, that goes across the field b)a way of hitting someone in the sport of boxing, in which your arm goes over theirs as they try to hit you: He caught his opponent with a right cross to the chin.catch7problem if you describe something as the cross that someone has to bear, you mean it is a problem that makes them very unhappy or worried, and that continues for a long time: I feel sorry for you, but we all have our crosses to bear.cross → the sign of the Cross at sign1(10)
crossadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrosscrossercrossestcrosscross3 S2 adjective [usually before noun] especially British English ANGRYangry or annoyedget/be cross (with somebody)She gets cross when he goes out drinking.getgodrinkSometimes I get very cross with the children.childcross at/aboutShe was cross at being interrupted.bebeinterrupt—crosslycrossly adverbTHESAURUSangry feeling strong emotions because you think someone has behaved badly, or because a situation seems bad or unfair: He gets really angry if people keep him waiting.getwait | a crowd of angry protestersprotestermad [not before noun] informal angry: Dad was mad at me for damaging the car.bedamagecross [not before noun] spoken rather angry – used when speaking to people you know well: She was cross with me for being late.bebeannoyed [not before noun] a little angry: I was annoyed no one had told me the class was cancelled.beannoyhavetellbecancelirritated annoyed and impatient, especially by something that keeps happening or something someone keeps saying: I was irritated by their stupid questions.beirritatequestion | an irritated voiceirritatebad-tempered becoming annoyed or angry easily: a bad-tempered old mantemper | He’s always bad-tempered when he doesn’t get what he wants.temperwantin a bad/foul mood feeling a little angry for a period of time, often for no particular reason: I woke up in a bad mood.wake | She’s been in a foul mood all morning.bein a huff /hʌf/ in an angry mood for a short time, especially because someone has just said something to offend or annoy you: He walked off in a huff when they refused to let him join in their game.walkrefusesomebody has got up on the wrong side of the bed informal used when you think someone has been in an angry mood all day, for no particular reason – often used humorously: I don’t know what’s wrong – she must have got up on the wrong side of the bed today.get
noun [countable]
Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: période, from Latin, from Greek, from peri- (PERICARDIUM) + hodos ‘way’ 1length of timePERIOD OF TIME a particular length of time with a beginning and an end:
Tomorrow’s weather will be dry with sunny periods.periodperiod ofHis playing improved in a very short period of time.playimprovea brief period of silenceThe drug was tested over a five-week period.betestThey adopted the system for a trial period (=time in which something is tested to see if it works well).adopt2life/history a particular time in someone’s life or in history → era: the conflict of the Cold War periodVan Gogh’s early periodthe Jurassic periodthe behaviour of children during the period of adolescencechild3blood the flow of blood that comes from a woman’s body each month → menstrual period: I was 12 years old when I started my periods.beyearstartperiod4mark American English the mark (.) used in writing to show the end of a sentence or of an abbreviation SYN full stop British English5school one of the equal parts that the school day is divided into SYN lesson British English: What class do you have first period?period ofa double period of Science6sports one of the equal parts that a game is divided into in a sport such as ice hockey: The Bruins scored twice in the first period.bruinscore7for emphasis period! American English spokenEMPHASIZE used to emphasize that you have made a decision and that you do not want to discuss the subject any more SYN full stop!: I’m not going, period!goCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + perioda long/lengthy period They had to spend long periods apart.haveperioda short/brief period He lived for a short period in Manchester.livea limited period (=a fairly short length of time) From May, the site will be open to the public for a limited period.limita fixed/set period (=that will not be changed) A tourist visa allows you to stay for a fixed period.allowfixan indefinite period (=with no fixed end) The painting had been loaned to the gallery for an indefinite period.painthavebeloana six month/five year etc period They studied the behaviour of the ocean during a five year period.studya trial period (=a time in which you try something to see if it is good) We could introduce the system for a trial period.canphrasesa period of time Over a period of time, this pressure can damage the fibres of the carpet.fibreTHESAURUSa period in historyperiod a particular time in history, especially one studied as a subject: the late Victorian period | the interwar period | During that period many people moved from the countryside to the towns.movetowntime a period of years, months, days etc: The 1960s were a time of great social change.be | the biggest earthquake in modern timesbigtime | Verdun was an important city in Roman times.betimeage a long period, especially one that represents a particular stage in the development of civilization or technology: the industrial age | We are now in the age of the Internet.be | the Stone Age (=when people used tools made of stone)era a long period that has a particular character or that is marked by particular events: We live in an era of breathtaking change. | the post-war era | De Gaulle’s death marked the end of an era.markepoch /ˈiːpɒk $ ˈepək/ formal means the same as era, but sounds more formal and important: We are now entering a new epoch in human history.beenter | the colonial epoch | It was the end of an epoch.be
periodadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesperiodperiodperiod2 adjective period costume/furniture etc clothes, furniture etc in the style of a particular time in history: actors dressed in period costumeactordress
adjectiveDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: estable, from Latin stabilis, from stare ‘to stand’ 1CHANGE/BECOME DIFFERENTNOT MOVINGsteady and not likely to move or change OPP unstable → stability:
A wide base will make the structure much more stable.in a stable condition British English in stable condition American English: He is said to be in a stable condition in hospital.besayChildren like a stable environment.child2CALMcalm, reasonable, and not easy to upset OPP unstable → stability: He was clearly not a very stable person.be3technical a stable substance tends to stay in the same chemical or atomic state OPP unstable—stablystably adverb
stablenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstablestablesstablestable2 noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: estable, from Latin stabulum, from stare; → STABLE1 1a building where horses are kept2stables [plural] a place where horses are kept and that often gives riding lessons3a group of racing horses that has one owner or trainer4GROUP OF PEOPLEa group of people working for the same company or with the same trainer:
actors from the same Hollywood stableactor5shut/close the stable door after the horse has bolted British EnglishPREVENT# to try to prevent something when it is too late and harm has already been done
stableverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Corpus examplesstablestablesstabledstablingstablestable3 verb [transitive]Verb form to put or keep a horse in a stable
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Anglo-French
Origin: Latin spiritus ‘breath, spirit’ 1character [singular, uncountable]MIND the qualities that make someone live the way they do, and make them different from other peoplein spirit
I’m 85, but I still feel young in spirit.independent/proud/free etc spirit (=a person with a particular type of character)She is a strong and independent spirit.be → kindred spirit at kindred2(1)2happy/sad spirits [plural]FEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETCMOOD the way someone feels at a particular time, for example if they are happy or sad → moodbe in good/high spirits (=be excited and happy)Cooper was still in high spirits after winning the race.bespiritwinHis spirits were so low (=he was so sad) that he refused to answer his phone.spiritberefuseraise/lift sb’s spirits (=make someone happier)The warm morning sun lifted our spirits.liftspiritShe wrote poetry while she was in the hospital to keep her spirits up (=keep happy).writebespiritsb’s spirits rise/lift/sink (=they become more or less happy)My spirits sank when I saw the mess they’d left.spiritsinkseeleave3soul [countable] the part of someone that you cannot see, that consists of the qualities that make up their character, which many people believe continues to live after the person has died → soul: Although Laurie is dead, I can feel his spirit with me.be4no body [countable]GHOST a creature without a physical body that some people believe exists, such as an angel or a dead person, who has returned to this world and has strange or magical powers → ghost: an evil spirit5determination [uncountable]DETERMINED courage, energy, and determination – used to show approval: Sandra is small, but she makes up for it with great spirit.bemakea young team with strong fighting spiritfightWhen they took away his freedom, they broke his spirit (=made him lose his courage).takebreak6attitude [singular, uncountable]ATTITUDE the attitude that you have towards something or while you are doing something: You’ve got to approach this meeting in the right spirit.getmeetspirit ofthe spirit of cooperation between the two sidesside7team/community/public etc spiritUNITE a strong feeling of belonging to a particular group and wanting to help them8typical qualitiesTYPICAL [countable usually singular] the set of ideas, beliefs, feelings etc that are typical of a particular period in history, a place, or a group of peoplespirit ofTourism has not destroyed the spirit of Bali.havedestroythe spirit of the age/timesHis beliefs conflicted with the spirit of the age.beliefconflict9in spiritTHINK ABOUTWITH if you say you will be somewhere in spirit or with someone in spirit, you will not be with them but will be thinking about them: I can’t come to your wedding, but I’ll be there in spirit.10get/enter into the spirit (of something)TAKE PART/BE INVOLVED to start to feel as happy, excited etc as the people around you: Judith couldn’t really enter into the spirit of the occasion.11intention [uncountable] the meaning or qualities that someone intended something to have, especially the meaning that a law or rule was intended to have: Thoreau believed that his actions were in the spirit of American institutions.believeactionbeinstitutionMiller’s actions may not be actually illegal, but they have violated the spirit of the law.actionviolate → the letter of the law at letter1(4)12the Spirit the Holy Spirit13drink [countable usually plural] a)especially British English a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky or brandy b)British English liquid such as alcohol, used for cleaning14that’s the spirit spokenAPPROVE used to express approval of someone’s behaviour or attitude15when/as the spirit moves youWANT when you feel that you want to do something16the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak) used when saying that you want to do something, but you are too tired or do not feel strong enough – often used humorouslyCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectiveshigh/good (=used when saying that someone is happy and excited) The players were all in high spirits.playerbespiritlow/flagging (=used when saying that someone is sad) She was tired and her spirits were low.betirespiritbeverbslift/raise/revive sb’s spirits (=make them feel happier) A brisk walk helped to lift my spirits.helpspiritkeep sb’s spirits up (=keep them feeling happy) He wrote home often, trying to keep his family’s spirits up.writetryspiritdampen sb’s spirits (=make them feel less happy) They refused to let the rain dampen their spirits.refusespiritsb’s spirits rise/lift/soar (=they start feeling happier) Her spirits rose as they left the ugliness of London behind.spiritriseleavesb’s spirits sink (=they start feeling less happy) His spirits sank at the prospect.spiritsinkTHESAURUSghost the spirit of a dead person that some people think they can feel or see in a place: His ghost is believed to haunt the house.bebelievespirit a creature without a physical body, such as an angel or ghost: evil spiritsspirit | the spirit worldapparition an image of a dead person that someone sees suddenly for a short time: He claimed to have seen an apparition in the church.claimseepoltergeist a ghost that people cannot see, which throws things or moves things around: The house was haunted by a poltergeist that makes things move around all by themselves, sometimes quite big things like beds or wardrobes.behauntmakethingthingbedwardrobespook informal a ghost: I’m not scared of spooks.scarespookphantom literary a frightening and unclear image of a dead person: They had seen phantoms gliding on the surface of the water.haveseephantomglidespectre British English, specter American English literary a ghost, especially a frightening one: She had looked like a spectre.havelook | The following night, the spectre appeared again.followappear
spiritverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesspiritspiritsspiritedspiritingspiritspirit2 verbVerb formspirit somebody/something away/off phrasal verb written DISAPPEARto take someone or something away quickly and secretly: After his speech, Jackson was spirited away through a back door.bespirit
SpiritSpiritSpiritSpirit
a US spacecraft that landed on Mars in 2004. It moved around the surface of Mars to find signs of water, take samples of soil, and take photographs.
nounDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: Latin sanctio, from sancire; → SAINT 1sanctions [plural] official orders or laws stopping trade, communication etc with another country, as a way of forcing its leaders to make political changes → embargosanctions against
US sanctions against Cubasanctiona resolution to impose sanctions (=start using sanctions) on North Koreasanctionthe threat of trade sanctionssanctionThe UN Security Council may impose economic sanctions.sanctionAny talk about lifting sanctions (=ending them) is premature.liftsanctionbe2[uncountable] formalLET/ALLOW official permission, approval, or acceptance SYN approval: Apparently, the aide had acted without White House sanction.haveact3[countable] formal a form of punishment that can be used if someone disobeys a rule or law SYN punishment: the harshest possible sanction which could be imposedharshcanimposeCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + sanctions economic/trade sanctions The United Nations is considering new economic sanctions.unitenationbeconsidersanctioninternational sanctions International sanctions were imposed on Iraq after it invaded Kuwait in 1990.sanctionbeimposeinvadetough/strict sanctions (=severe) Due to strict sanctions, the country is unable to import the medicines it needs.sanctionbemedicineneedverbsimpose sanctions (=start using them) The US imposed economic sanctions on Panama.imposesanctionlift sanctions (=stop using them) Washington has since refused to lift sanctions.haverefusesanctionease sanctions (=make them less strict) The last administration decided to ease sanctions against Cuba.decidesanctionenforce sanctions (=make sure they are obeyed) The UN will have the job of enforcing the sanctions.enforcesanctionbreak/violate sanctions (=send something to another country when this is not allowed) Several companies broke trade sanctions by continuing to export weapons to the country.companybreaksanctioncontinueweapon
sanctionverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessanctionsanctionssanctionedsanctioningsanctionsanction2 verb [transitive] formalVerb form1LET/ALLOWto officially accept or allow something SYN approve: The church refused to sanction the king’s second marriage.refuse2be sanctioned by somethingACCEPT to be made acceptable by something: a barbaric custom, but one sanctioned by long usagesanctionTHESAURUSallow to say that someone can do something – used about parents, teachers, or people in authority: They don’t allow students to chew gum in the classroom.student | I’m not allowed to stay out after ten o'clock.allowlet [not in passive] to allow someone to do something. Let is not used in the passive, and is much more commonly used in everyday English than allow: Will your Mum let you come to the party? | I’ll borrow John’s bicycle, if he’ll let me.permit formal if something is permitted, it is allowed according to the rules - used especially on written notices and announcements: Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building.smokebepermitbuildgive somebody permission used when someone in an important official position decides to allow someone to do something: He was given special permission to leave school early.begive | The Home Office has given him permission to stay in Britain indefinitely.havegivegive your consent to say that you will allow someone to do something that will affect you personally, or a member of your family, when you have a legal right to say ‘no’: Her parents have given their consent to the marriage.parentgive | You can’t build on someone’s land without the owner’s consent.give something the go-ahead to officially allow a planned project or activity to happen: The government finally gave the go-ahead for a new terminal at Heathrow airport.give | A new nuclear plant has been given the go-ahead.havebegiveauthorize to officially or legally allow someone to do something - used about laws or people: The UN resolution would authorize the use of force.will | I never authorized them to give information about me to other banks.authorizebankentitle to give someone the right to do or have something: The pass entitles you to travel on any bus, at any time, in Norwich.entitle | If the goods are faulty, the customer is entitled to a refund.goodbebeentitlesanction formal to give official approval and support for something: The Truman administration refused to sanction a military attack.refuse | The advertisements were sanctioned by the candidate himself.advertisementbesanction
noun [countable]
Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: facteur, from Latin factor ‘doer, maker’, from facere ‘to do, make’ 1cause/influenceCAUSE one of several things that influence or cause a situation:
The rise in crime is mainly due to social and economic factors.befactorfactor inThe vaccination program has been a major factor in the improvement of health standards.havebestandardimportant/major/key/crucial factorThe weather could be a crucial factor in tomorrow’s game.candeciding/decisive/determining factor (=the most important factor)We liked both houses, but price was the deciding factor.likehousebedecide2level on a scale a particular level on a scale that measures how strong or effective something is: factor 15 suntan oilEven in July the wind chill factor (=the degree to which the air feels colder because of the wind) can be intense.3by a factor of five/ten etcCOUNT/CALCULATE if something increases or decreases by a factor of five, ten etc, it increases or decreases by five times, ten times etc4mathematics technical a number that divides into another number exactly: 3 is a factor of 15.beCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + factoran important factor Human influence has been an important factor as regards climate change.haveberegarda major/minor factor (=the most or least important of several factors) The country’s huge mineral reserves are a major factor behind its economic strength.reservebea key/crucial factor (=a very important factor) A key factor in a company’s success is knowing its customers.beknowcustomerthe deciding factor (=the reason for making a particular choice) The closeness of the river was probably the deciding factor when the site was chosen.bedecidebechoosethe decisive/determining factor (=the one that has the biggest effect) The support of middle-income voters was the decisive factor in the election.voterbea contributing factor (=one that helps to make something happen) Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses.becontributeillnesseconomic factors Economic factors limit our options.factoroptionenvironmental factors Various environmental factors affect the growth of grapes.factorgrapesocial factors Social factors have played their part in the decline in family sizes.factorplaysizea risk factor (=something that makes you more likely to have an illness) The highest risk factor for coronary heart disease was found to be smoking.highbefindsmokeverbsdepend on certain factors Success depends on certain factors.dependfactorfactors influence something Various factors influenced the government’s decision.factorinfluencefactors determine something The final cost of the product was determined by a combination of factors.bedeterminefactorfactors are responsible for something These underlying factors were responsible for his death.underliefactorbephrasesa combination/variety/number of factors A combination of factors led to the closure of the factory.factorleadtake certain factors into account (=to consider factors when making a decision) You should take all these factors into account.shallfactor
factorverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesfactorfactorsfactoredfactoringfactorfactor2 AC verb [transitive] American English technicalVerb form to divide a number into factorsfactor something ↔ in (also factor something into somethingfactor something into something) phrasal verb technical COUNT/CALCULATEto include a particular thing in your calculations about how long something will take, how much it will cost etcfactor something ↔ out phrasal verb technical to not include something in your calculations about how long something will take, how much it will cost etc
verb formalWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: atendre, from Latin attendere, from ad- ‘to’ + tendere ‘to stretch’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]GO TO/ATTEND to go to an event such as a meeting or a class:
Only 12 people attended the meeting.attendmeetPlease let us know if you are unable to attend.beRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say go (to) or come (to) instead of attend:I didn’t go to the parents’ meeting.parentmeetPlease let us know if you can’t come.2[intransitive and transitive]GO TO/ATTEND to go regularly to a school, church etc: I am the first child in my family to attend college.be3[transitive] formalEXIST to happen or exist at the same time as something: the peculiar atmosphere which attends such an eventattend4[transitive usually passive]LOOK AFTER SB to look after someone, especially because they are ill: On his deathbed the General was attended by several doctors.beattenddoctorattend to somebody/something phrasal verb1DEAL WITHto deal with business or personal matters: I may be late – I have got one or two things to attend to.getthing2LOOK AFTER SBto help a customer in a shop or a restaurant SYN serve
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: flor 1in a building the flat surface that you stand on inside a building:
a polished wooden floorpolisha puddle of water on the kitchen floora warehouse that has 410,000 square feet of floor spacehavefoot2in a car British English the part of a car that forms its inside floor SYN floorboard American English3level in building one of the levels in a building: a ground floor flatgrindon the top/first/tenth etc floorOur office is on the top floor.befloor ofWe are located on the seventh floor of the building.belocatebuild4ocean/forest/cave floor etcBOTTOM the ground at the bottom of the ocean, the forest etc: creatures that live on the ocean floorcreature5for dancing an area in a room where people can dance: There were two or three couples already on the dance floor.becoupletake (to) the floor (=begin dancing)Everyone took to the floor for the last waltz.take6where people workAREA a large area in a building where a lot of people do their jobs: He wasn’t keen on the idea of working on the shop floor (=the part of a factory where people make things using machines).workthe busy trading floor (=area where stocks and shares are bought and sold)trade7limitLIMIT an officially agreed limit below which something cannot go → ceiling: Manufacturers have tried to put a floor under the price of their products.manufacturertryproduct8the floor a)GROUP OF PEOPLEMEETthe people attending a public meeting: Are there any questions from the floor?bequestion b)the part of a parliament, public meeting place etc where people sit: The delegates crowded the floor of the House.delegatecrowd9take the floorTALK/MAKE A SPEECH to begin speaking at an important public meeting: The chairman then took the floor.take10have the floorTALK/MAKE A SPEECH to be speaking or have the right to speak at an important public meeting: He stepped aside to allow other speakers to have the floor.stepspeaker11go through the floorCHEAP if a price, amount etc goes through the floor, it becomes very low OPP go through the roof: Share prices have gone through the floor.pricegoCOLLOCATIONSverbsclean the floor Next he had to clean the floor.havewash/mop the floor The floor needs mopping.needmopsweep the floor He grabbed a broom and began sweeping the floor.grabbeginsweepwax/polish the floor I washed and waxed the kitchen floor.washwaxsit/lie/sleep on the floor Officers found her lying face down on the floor.officerfindliefall/drop/sink to the floor He let his cigarette fall to the floor.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + floorthe bathroom/kitchen/bedroom etc floor I’ve still got to clean the bathroom floor.geta wooden floor The hut had a muddy wooden floor.havea marble floor He strode across the marble floor.stridea tiled floor There were a couple of oriental rugs on the tiled floor.berugtilea carpeted floor Barbara was sitting on the carpeted floor.besitcarpeta bare floor (=not covered by anything) Father Murphy led me to a tiny room with a bare floor and a simple bed.leadfloor + NOUNfloor tiles (=flat square pieces of clay or other material, used to cover floors) When you buy floor tiles, always get a few extra.tilefloor polish The room smelt of floor polish.smella floor covering (=a material, such as carpet, that covers a floor) A carpet fitter can fit floor coverings quickly and inexpensively.fitcoveringfloor space (=a measure of how big a room or building is, based on the size of the floor) The shop has 33,000 square feet of floor space.havefootTHESAURUSfloor one of the levels in a building: She lives in an apartment on the eighteenth floor.livestorey British English, story American English used when saying how many levels a building has: a five-storey car park | The school is a single storey building.bebuildthe ground floor (also the first floor American English) the floor of a building that is at ground level: There is a shop on the ground floor.begrind | The emergency room is on the first floor.bethe first floor British English, the second floor American English the floor of a building above the one at ground level: She lives on the first floor.livedeck one of the levels on a ship, bus, or plane: The Horizon Lounge is on the top deck of the ship.be
floorverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfloorfloorsflooredflooringfloorfloor2 verb [transitive]Verb form1SURPRISEDto surprise or shock someone so much that they do not know what to say or do: A couple of the questions completely floored me.questionfloor2HITto hit someone so hard that they fall down: He was floored in the first round of the fight.befloor3American English informalFAST/QUICK to make a car go as fast as possible: I got into the car and floored it.getfloor
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: staca ‘sharp post’ 1at stakeRISK if something that you value very much is at stake, you will lose it if a plan or action is not successful:
They have to win the contract – thousands of jobs are at stake.jobbeNational pride is at stake in next week’s game against England.be2company/business [countable]SHARE if you have a stake in a business, you have invested money in ithold/have a stake in somethingHe holds a 51% stake in the firm.hold3have a stake in something if you have a stake in something, you will get advantages if it is successful, and you feel that you have an important connection with it: Young people don’t feel they have a stake in the country’s future.4money risked [countable] money that you risk as the result of a horse race, card game etc: For a dollar stake, you can win up to $1,000,000.5high stakes a)if the stakes are high when you are trying to do something, you risk losing a lot or it will be dangerous if you fail: Climbing is a dangerous sport and the stakes are high.climbbestakebe b)if the stakes are high when you are doing something such as playing a card game, you risk losing a lot of money: We’re playing for high stakes here.playstake6pointed stick [countable] a pointed piece of wood, metal etc, especially one that is pushed into the ground to support something or mark a particular place: tent stakesstakeDrive two stakes into the ground about three feet apart.stakegrindfoot7the stake a post to which a person was tied in former times before being killed by burning: Suspected witches were burnt at the stake.suspectwitchbeburn8in the popularity/fashion etc stakesCOMPETE WITH/TRY TO BEAT used when saying how popular, fashionable etc someone or something is: Ben wouldn’t score very highly in the popularity stakes.stake9(be prepared to) go to the stake for/over something British EnglishRISK to be willing to do anything to protect or defend an idea or belief: That’s my opinion, but I wouldn’t go to the stake for it.10pull up stakes (also up stakes British English) informalLEAVE A PLACE to leave your job or home: We’re going to pull up stakes and move to Montana.gostake
stakeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstakestakesstakedstakingstakestake2 verb [transitive]Verb form1RISKto risk losing something that is valuable or important to you on the result of somethingstake something on somebody/somethingKevin is staking his reputation on the success of the project.bestakeJim staked his whole fortune on one card game.stake2RISKI’d stake my life on it spoken used when saying that you are completely sure that something is true, or that something will happen: I’m sure that’s Jesse – I’d stake my life on it.3(also stake up)FASTEN/DO UP to support something with stakes: Young trees have to be staked.treestake4(also stake off)MEASURE to mark or enclose an area of ground with stakes: A corner of the field has been staked off.havebestake5stake (out) a claimOWN to say publicly that you think you have a right to have or own somethingstake (out) a claim toBoth countries staked a claim to the islands.countrystakeislandstake something ↔ out phrasal verb informal1WATCHto watch a place secretly and continuously → stakeout: Police officers have been staking out the warehouse for weeks.officerbestakeweek2to mark or control a particular area so that you can have it or use it: We went to the show early to stake out a good spot.go3to state your opinions about something in a way that shows how your ideas are clearly separate from other people’s ideas: Johnson staked out the differences between himself and the other candidates.stakedifferencecandidate
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin commissio, from commissus, past participle of committere; → COMMIT 1[countable]FIND OUT a group of people who have been given the official job of finding out about something or controlling something:
The Government set up a commission to investigate allegations of police violence.allegationcommission onthe Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution2MONEY[uncountable and countable]MONEY an extra amount of money that is paid to a person or organization according to the value of the goods they have sold or the services they have provided: The dealer takes a 20% commission on the sales he makes.takesalemakeon commissionHe sold cosmetics on commission.sell3[countable] a request for an artist, designer, or musician to make a piece of art or music, for which they are paid: a commission from the Academy for a new sculpture4ARMY/NAVY ETC[countable] the position of an officer in the army, navy etc5CRIME[uncountable] formalDO the commission of a crime is the act of doing it → commit6out of commission a)BROKENnot working or not available for use: One of the ship’s anchors was out of commission.anchorbe b)ILL informal ill or injured, and unable to work7in commission available to be used: The operating theatres will be back in commission next week.operatetheatreCOLLOCATIONSverbsset up/establish/create a commission They set up a commission to investigate the problem of youth crime.appoint a commission (=choose the members of a commission) The President appointed a commission to develop standards in schools.appointstandardschoolhead a commission (=be in charge of one) He was elected to head a commission on tax reform.beelecta commission recommends something The commission recommended that the federal government change the way it measures inflation.recommendmeasurea commission approves something The commission approved the plan.approveADJECTIVES/NOUN + commission a special commission A special commission was set up to investigate the killings.bekillingan independent commission The plan requires approval by an independent commission.requirean international commission an international commission on climate changea parliamentary commission A report was made by a special parliamentary commission.bemakea government commission A government commission regulates the process.regulatea national/federal commission the National Commission on Terrorisma presidential commission the Presidentail Commission on Health Carea joint commission (=involving two or more countries or groups) a new India-Sri Lanka joint commissionan investigative/investigating commission An investigative commission was set up immediately after the incident.be
commissionverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescommissioncommissionscommissionedcommissioningcommissioncommission2 AC verbVerb form1PAY SB FOR WORK[transitive] to formally ask someone to write an official report, produce a work of art for you etc: The report was commissioned by the Welsh Office.becommissioncommission somebody to do somethingMacmillan commissioned her to illustrate a book by Spike Milligan.commission2be commissioned (into something) to be given an officer’s rank in the army, navy etc: I was commissioned into the RAF.becommission
noun
Date: 1400-1500Language: Anglo-French
Origin: trier; → TRY1 1court [uncountable and countable]TRIAL a legal process in which a judge and often a jury in a court of law examine information to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime → try:
The trial is due to start next week.beon trial (for something)Brady was on trial for assault.be → show trial2testTEST/EXPERIMENT [uncountable and countable] a process of testing to find out whether something works effectively and is safe: a new drug that is undergoing clinical trialsbeundergotrial3try somebody/somethingTRY STH TO SEE IF IT IS GOOD [uncountable and countable] a short period during which you use or do something or employ someone to find out whether they are satisfactory for a particular purpose or job → tryon trialThey let me have the computer on trial for thirty days.dayThe security system will be reviewed after a three-month trial period.reviewSmith was hired on a six-month trial basis.behiretrial separation (=a period of time in which a husband and wife do not live together, to find out whether they want to stay married)4by/through trial and errorTRY STH TO SEE IF IT IS GOOD if you do something by trial and error, you test many different methods of doing something in order to find the best: I learned most of what I know about gardening through trial and error.learngarden5difficultyWORRIED [countable usually plural] something that is difficult to deal with, and that is worrying or annoying → trying: the daily trials of living in a poor countrytriallivebe a trial (to/for somebody)My brothers and I were always a real trial to my parents.brotherbeparentthe trials and tribulations of running a businesstrialtribulationrun6sports trials [plural] British English a special sports competition in which people who want to be on a team are tested, so that the best can be chosen SYN tryout American Englishhorse/sheepdog trials (=a sporting competition in which horses or dogs compete)COLLOCATIONSverbsbe on trial (=be being judged in a court of law) Her son is on trial charged with murder.bechargestand/face trial (=be judged in a court of law) Doctors said he was unfit to stand trial.doctorsaybego on trial Taylor went on trial accused of fraud.goaccusebe awaiting/facing trial Its managing director is awaiting trial on corruption charges.managebeawaitchargeput somebody on trial They should never have been put on trial, let alone convicted.shallbeconvictbring somebody to trial The people who were responsible for this crime must be brought to trial.bebringbe sent for trial (also be committed for trial British English) Smith's lawyer battled to stop him being sent for trial in Britain.battlebesenda trial is held We believe the trial will be held sometime next month.holda trial opens (=officially begins) The trial opened 5 weeks ago.openweeka trial is adjourned (=it is officially stopped for several days, weeks, or months) The trial was adjourned until November.beadjournADJECTIVES/NOUN + triala murder/fraud etc trial She was a witness in a murder trial.bea fair trial He is entitled to a fair trial.beentitlea criminal trial (=for cases involving a crime ) In a criminal trial, guilt has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.haveprovea civil trial (=for cases dealing with the private affairs of citizens, rather than cases involving a crime) In civil trials, the jury's decision need not be unanimous.trialphrasesa case goes/comes to trial If the case ever went to trial, he would probably lose.gowillnounsthe trial judge The trial judge acquitted the accused on the charge of assault.acquitaccusethe trial lawyer He is regarded as one of the finest trial lawyers in the state.beregardfinelawyerthe trial court The evidence will be fully tested in the trial court.testa trial date No trial date has been set because of procedural delays.havebedelaythe trial verdict His lawyers have said they will appeal the civil trial verdict.lawyersay
trialverbCollocations from other entriestrialtrialstrialledtriallingtrialtrial2 verb (past tense and past participle trialled, present participle trialling) [transitive] British EnglishVerb form TRY STH TO SEE IF IT IS GOODto thoroughly test something to see if it works correctly or is effective SYN try out: These techniques were trialled by teachers in 300 schools.techniquebetrialteacherschool
verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: proposer, from Latin proponere; → PROPOUND Verb form1suggest [transitive] formalPLAN to suggest something as a plan or course of action → proposal:
the changes currently proposed by the local planning authoritieschangeproposeplanauthoritythe proposed budget cutsproposecutpropose thatIn his speech he proposed that the UN should set up an emergency centre for the environment.proposeshallpropose doing somethingThe report also proposes extending the motorway.proposeextend ► Do not say ‘propose someone something’. Say propose something: He proposed a compromise (NOT He proposed me a compromise).RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone puts forward plans, ideas etc, rather than proposes them:The idea was first put forward by a German scientist.be2meeting [transitive]SUGGEST to formally suggest a course of action at a meeting and ask people to vote on itpropose a motion/amendment/resolution etcThe resolution was proposed by the chairman of the International Committee.beproposepropose somebody for somethingMr Leesom proposed Mrs Banks for the position of Treasurer (=he suggested formally that she should be the treasurer).proposebank3theory [transitive] to suggest an idea, method etc as an answer to a scientific question or as a better way of doing something: A number of theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon.numbtheorybepropose4intend [transitive] formalINTEND to intend to do somethingpropose to do somethingHow does he propose to deal with the situation?dopropose doing somethingWe still don’t know how the company proposes raising the money.proposeraise5marriage a)[intransitive]MARRY to ask someone to marry you, especially in a formal waypropose toShaun proposed to me only six months after we met.proposemonthmeet b)propose marriage formalMARRY to ask someone to marry you6propose a toast (to somebody)DRINK to formally ask a group of people at a social event to join you in wishing someone success, happiness, etc as they raise and drink a glass of wine: I’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.THESAURUSsuggest to tell someone your ideas about what they should do: 'Why don’t you come with us?', Alan suggested.suggest | It was a sunny afternoon and so I suggested going to the beach.besuggestgorecommend to suggest that someone goes somewhere, tries something etc because you know that it is good and you think they will like it: Can you recommend a good restaurant near here? | It’s a brilliant book - I’d recommend it to anyone.propose formal to formally suggest a plan or course of action, especially at a meeting: The government has proposed building a new town just north of the city.haveproposebuild | I propose that we send a delegation to London to discuss our concerns.concernput forward to suggest an idea, plan, reason etc: The party has put forward new proposals to reduce the number of cars in the town centre.haveproposalnumbcar | The idea was first put forward by Aristotle.be | A number of reasons have been put forward to explain these negative results.numbreasonberesultnominate to officially suggest someone for an important job or position, or a person, film etc for a prize, especially when people will vote to make a decision: He’s been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times.benominatetime | Three candidates have been nominated for the position of chairman.candidatebenominate
verb (past tense withdrew /-ˈdruː/, past participle withdrawn /-ˈdrɔːn $ -ˈdrɒːn/)
Date: 1200-1300Origin: with ‘from’ + draw ‘to pull’ Verb form1not take part [intransitive and transitive]MEMBER to stop taking part in an activity, belonging to an organization etc, or to make someone do thiswithdraw from
A knee injury forced her to withdraw from the competition.forcecalls for Britain to withdraw from the European Unioncallwithdraw something/somebody from somethingParents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education lessons if they wish.parentchildlessonRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone pulls out of something such as a competition or organization rather than withdraws:She pulled out with a knee injury.pull2stop supporting [transitive]TAKE STH FROM SBTAKE STH FROM SOMEWHERE to stop giving support or money to someone or something, especially as the result of an official decision: One of the minority parties had withdrawn its support for Chancellor Kohl.partyhavewithdrawUnion members will vote on whether to withdraw their labour (=stop working).membera government decision to withdraw fundingfund3change your mind [transitive] if you withdraw a threat, offer, request etc, you say that you no longer will do what you said: After much persuasion he agreed to withdraw his resignation.agree4say something is not trueSAY/STATE [transitive] formal if you withdraw a remark, criticism, statement etc, you say that what you said earlier was completely untrue SYN retract: He refused to withdraw his remarks and was expelled from the Party.refuseremarkbeexpelThe newspaper has agreed to withdraw its allegations.haveagreeallegation5product/service [transitive] if a product or service is withdrawn, it is no longer offered for sale or usewithdraw something from sale/from the marketThe drug has been withdrawn from the market for further tests.havebewithdrawfartest6leave a place a)[intransitive and transitive]LEAVE A PLACE if an army withdraws, or if it is withdrawn, it leaves a place SYN pull out: the USA’s decision to withdraw 40,000 troops from western Europetroop b)[intransitive]LEAVE A PLACE to leave a place, especially in order to be alone or go somewhere quietwithdraw toWe withdrew to the garden for a private talk.withdraw7money [transitive]TAKE STH FROM SOMEWHERE to take money out of a bank account SYN take outwithdraw something from somethingI’d like to withdraw £500 from my current account.RegisterIn everyday English, people often say that someone takes or gets money out rather than withdraws it:Can we stop off at the bank? I need to get some money out.8move [transitive] if you withdraw your hand, arm, finger etc from somewhere, you move it from there to where it was before: Claudia withdrew her hand from his.withdraw9take out [transitive] literary to take an object out from inside somethingwithdraw something from somethingShe withdrew a document from her briefcase.withdraw10stop communicating [intransitive]SHY to become quieter, less friendly, and only concerned about your own thoughts → withdrawnwithdraw into/fromRalph has withdrawn from the other kids.havewithdrawkidMany depressed people just withdraw into themselves.depress
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin contractus; → CONTRACT2 1AGREEan official agreement between two or more people, stating what each will do → contractualcontract with/between
Tyler has agreed a seven-year contract with a Hollywood studio.haveagreecontract to do somethinga three-year contract to provide pay telephones at local restaurantstelephonerestauranton a contract/under contractThe firm operates schools under contract to state education authorities.operateschoolauthorityEmployees who refuse to relocate are in breach of contract (=have done something not allowed by their contracts).employeebe2subject to contract if an agreement is subject to contract, it has not yet been agreed formally by a contract3informalKILL an agreement to kill a person for money: They put a contract out on him and he’s in hiding.hidCOLLOCATIONSverbshave a contract The company had a contract to build a new hotel there.havesign a contract He signed a contract to become vice president of the football club.signenter (into) a contract You will enter a two-year training contract with your chosen employer.trainchooseagree to a contract (also agree a contract British English) Keane was reported to have agreed a contract for a further three years.bereportagreefaryearmake a contract Did he know this when he made the contract?domakenegotiate a contract (=agree the conditions of a contract with someone) Your lawyer will assist you in negotiating a contract.negotiatebreak a contract (=do something that your contract does not allow) She broke her contract and left the job after only six months.breakleavemonthfulfil/honour a contract (=do what you have agreed to do) If you have signed a contract, you have to fulfil it.signdraw up a contract (=write one) The two sides drew up a contract.sidedrawwin/get a contract They won a contract to supply 37 passenger trains to Regional Railways.wintrainrailwaygive somebody a contract He was given a new two-year contract in March.begiveaward a company a contract (=give them a contract) The state of Kentucky has awarded the firm a $10m contract.haveawardcancel/end/terminate a contract The buyer has three days in which to cancel the contract.havedayrenew sb’s contract (=give someone another contract when their old one ends) I hope they will renew my contract at the end of the year.adjectivesa one-year/two-year etc contract He signed a five-year contract worth $2 million.signa recording/building etc contract The band was soon offered a recording contract with Columbia Records.beofferrecordrecorda written contract All employees should have a written contract.employeeshallwritephrasesa contract of employment (also an employment contract) Make sure you fully understand your contract of employment.the terms of a contract (=the conditions that are part of the contract) He explained the terms of the contract.explaintermbreach of contract (=an action that your contract does not allow) They are suing the building company for breach of contract.besuebuildbe in breach of contract (=have done something that your contract does not allow)
contractverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescontractcontractscontractedcontractingcontractcon‧tract2 AC /kənˈtrækt/ verbDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: contractus, past participle of contrahere ‘to pull together, make a contract, make smaller’, from com- ( → COM-) + trahere ‘to pull’ Verb form1[intransitive]NARROW to become smaller or narrower OPP expand:
Metal contracts as it cools.contractcoolThe economy has contracted by 2.5% since last year.havecontract2[transitive] formalGET to get an illness SYN catch: Two-thirds of the adult population there have contracted AIDS.thirdcontractaid3AGREE[intransitive and transitive] to sign a contract in which you agree formally that you will do something or someone will do something for youcontract (somebody) to do somethingThey are contracted to work 35 hours a week.becontracthourthe company that had been contracted to build the modelshavebecontractmodelcontract (with) somebody for somethingDoctors control their budgets and contract with hospitals for services.doctorbudgethospitalservicecontract a marriage/alliance etc (=agree to marry someone, form a relationship with them etc)Most of the marriages were contracted when the brides were very young.marriagebecontractbridebe
contractphrasal verbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriescontractcontractcontract3 /ˈkɒntrækt $ ˈkɑːn-/contract in phrasal verb British English1AGREEcontract somebody/something ↔ in to arrange for a person or company outside your own organization to come in and do a particular job: We contract in cleaning services.cleanservice2formal to agree officially to take part in something: The rules require all members to contract in.rulemembercontract out phrasal verb1contract something ↔ out to arrange to have a job done by a person or company outside your own organizationcontract something ↔ out toWe contracted the catering out to an outside firm.contractcater2British English to agree officially not to take part in something such as a pension plan
noun [countable]
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin subjectus, from subicere ‘to put under your control’, from jacere ‘to throw’ 1thing talked aboutSUBJECT the thing you are talking about or considering in a conversation, discussion, book, film etc:
Paul has strong opinions on most subjects.haveopinionsubjectThe subjects covered in this chapter are exercise and nutrition.subjectcoverbesubject ofTruffaut’s childhood memories were the subject of his first film.memorybeWhile we’re on the subject of money, do you have the $10 you owe me? ► Do not say ‘the subject is about ... ’: The subject of the poem is war. | The poem is about war. → subject matter2at school an area of knowledge that you study at a school or university: My favorite subject is math.be3in art the thing or person that you show when you paint a picture, take a photograph etc: Monet loved to use gardens as his subjects.lovegardensubject4in a testTEST/EXPERIMENT a person or animal that is used in a test or experiment: The subjects of this experiment were all men aged 18–35.subjectbemanage5grammar a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that usually comes before a main verb and represents the person or thing that performs the action of the verb, or about which something is stated, for example ‘she’ in ‘She hit John’ or ‘elephants’ in ‘Elephants are big’ → object1(6)6citizen formal someone who was born in a country that has a king or queen, or someone who has a right to live there: a British subject → citizen(2), national2COLLOCATIONSverbsdiscuss/talk about a subject Have you discussed the subject with your husband?discusschange the subject (=start talking about something different) She tried to change the subject.trymention a subject The subject was not mentioned again.bementiondeal with/cover a subject (=speak or write about it) The subject is dealt with in great detail in his previous book.bedealtouch on a subject (=say or write a little about it) In his speech, he touched on the subject of death.touchbring up/raise a subject (=deliberately start talking about it) You brought the subject up, not me.bringget onto a subject (=happen to start talking about it) We somehow got onto the subject of detective stories.getstorybroach a subject (=start talking about a sensitive subject) She hesitated, wondering exactly how to broach the subject of their sleeping arrangements.hesitatewondersleeparrangementget back to a subject Somehow I just knew in the end we would get back to the subject of money.knowwilldrop a subject (=stop talking about it) To her relief, Julius dropped the subject.dropavoid/keep off/stay off a subject (=not talk about it) I knew he was trying to avoid the subject of drugs.knowbetrydrug | She hoped that Anna would keep off the subject of Luke for the next few hours.hopewillhourget somebody off a subject (=make them talk about something else) It was difficult to get him off the subject of cars.becara subject comes up (=people start talking about it) The subject of payment never came up.comeadjectivesan interesting/fascinating subject Fame is a fascinating subject.befascinatea difficult/complex subject (=very complicated) Immigration is a complex subject.bea controversial subject The content of the curriculum has become a controversial subject.havea sensitive/touchy subject (=one that people may get upset about) Steer clear of complicated issues or sensitive subjects.complicateissuesubjecta delicate subject (=one that may be embarrassing) She carefully avoided discussing the delicate subject of money.avoiddiscussa taboo subject (=one that it is not acceptable to mention) For them, death was not a taboo subject.bephrasesa subject of/for discussion TV is a favourite subject for discussion.bea subject of conversation She searched for a new subject of conversation.searcha subject of/for debate (=a subject people discuss and disagree about) The reason for the increased risk of cancer is still a subject of debate.increasebea subject of controversy (=a subject people disagree about strongly) Nuclear power is still the subject of considerable controversy.bea subject area (=a group of related subjects) He has written a lot in this subject area.havewriteTHESAURUScitizen someone who lives in a particular town, country, or state: In order to become a US citizen, you need to have a Permanent Resident card. | All British citizens have the right to live in the UK.citizen | Good citizens understand that they have a responsibility to the community.citizennational a citizen of a country who is living in another country: She insisted that foreign nationals were safe in the country.insistnationalbe | Russians nationals were ordered to leave.nationalbeorder | Her husband is a French national.beresident someone who lives in a particular street or area: There have been complaints by local residents about the building work.becomplaintresidentbuild | She was a resident of Chicago for many years.beyearnative someone who was born in a particular country but moved to another country – used when describing a person or their life: Picasso was a native of Spain, although he spent much of his life in France.bespendsubject someone who was born in a country that has a king or queen, and has a right to live there: Northern Ireland citizens are British subjects.citizenbesubjectalien formal someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in - used in official contexts: Employers cannot hire illegal aliens.employeralien
subjectadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplessubjectsubjectsubject2 adjective1EFFECT/INFLUENCEbe subject to something a)if someone or something is subject to something, especially something bad, it is possible or likely that they will be affected by it: All flights are subject to delay.flightbePrices are subject to change.pricebe b)DEPEND ON/RELY ONif something is subject to something such as approval, it depends on that thing happening before it can happen: The funding is subject to approval by the Board of Education.fundbe2be subject to a rule/law/penalty/tax etc if you are subject to a rule, law, penalty etc, you must obey the rule or pay an amount of money: Violators are subject to a $100 fine.violatorbe3[only before noun] formal a subject country, state, people etc are strictly governed by another country: subject peoplespeople
subjectverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessubjectsubjectssubjectedsubjectingsubjectsub‧ject3 /səbˈdʒekt/ verb [transitive]Verb form formalCONTROL to force a country or group of people to be ruled by you, and control them very strictlysubject somebody/something to something phrasal verb SUFFERto force someone or something to experience something very unpleasant, especially over a long time: Police subjected him to hours of questioning.subjecthourquestionsubject somebody to an ordeal/abuse/harassmentBarker subjected his victim to awful abuse.subject